As Sydney Sixers gear up for Match 7 of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2025/26 season, anticipation is high due to their impressive start. They kicked off the season with a spectacular 10-wicket victory over Perth Scorchers. Three players, in particular, have caught my eye as potential game-changers: Ashleigh Gardner, Maitlan Brown, and Ellyse Perry. Here’s a closer look at what they bring to the team ahead of the clash against the Hurricanes.
Ashleigh Gardner
Ashleigh Gardner is a dynamic player who can truly change the course of a match. She’s not only a hard-hitting batter but also a key bowler who can take crucial wickets when it matters most. With a WBBL batting record of 2,607 runs in 129 innings, averaging 22.06 and boasting a strike rate of 120.91, she has proven her worth at the crease. On the bowling front, Gardner has taken 107 wickets across 136 matches, with an impressive economy rate of 7.05. Her standout performance in the last match saw her claim a WBBL-best 5/15, showcasing her ability to dominate in critical moments. Against the Hurricanes, her knack for exploiting weak overs or breaking through with key wickets will be vital for the Sixers.
Maitlan Brown
Maitlan Brown adds a serious edge to the Sixers’ bowling lineup, especially in the early overs and during crunch moments. Known for her pace and ability to disrupt partnerships, she’s a key asset for the team. Brown has played 105 WBBL matches, scoring 624 runs with a batting average of 13.28 and a strike rate of 110.25 across 68 innings. More importantly, she’s taken 73 wickets, demonstrating her value as a bowler. In her recent match against the Scorchers, she picked up 1 wicket for just 15 runs. While her batting stats may not reflect her true potential, she has stepped up with crucial cameos time and again. The Sixers will lean on Brown to create early breakthroughs and put the pressure on the opposition.
Ellyse Perry
Ellyse Perry is a stalwart of women’s cricket, revered for her skill, experience, and leadership. She has been a cornerstone of the Sixers, contributing significantly with both bat and ball. In the WBBL, Perry has played 135 matches, scoring 4,736 runs at a remarkable average of 49.33 and a strike rate of 109.25. On the bowling side, she has 72 wickets at an average of 31.69. Her recent performance included 2 wickets for 12 runs in just two overs and an unbeaten 47 runs off 37 balls, emphasising her dual threat as a batter and bowler. Perry’s ability to stabilise the innings during challenging phases, coupled with her tactical insight, makes her crucial in this upcoming match.
With Gardner’s explosive potential, Brown’s pace bowling, and Perry’s all-around capabilities, the Sixers are well-prepared to take on the Hurricanes. The individual and collective performances of these three will likely shape the outcome of Match 7.
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