Sydney Sixers, led by Ashleigh Gardner, were up against Hobart Hurricanes, led by Elyse Villani, at the North Sydney Oval, Sydney, in the 7th match of Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 11.
The veteran wicketkeeper-batter and Australian skipper, Alyssa Healy, returned to the side after recovering from a minor injury, replacing Emma Manix-Geeves into the starting XI for the Sydney Sixers. For the Hobart Hurricanes, Callie Wilson replaced Rachel Trenaman in the starting XI.
Maitlan Brown and Maddy Villiers propel Sydney Sixers past the 150-run mark
Sixers openers Sophia Dunkley and former skipper Ellyse Perry got their side off to a flying start with a 20-run opening partnership after Elyse Villani won the toss and inserted them to bat first. Nicola Carey cleaned up Sophia Dunkley to provide the first breakthrough for the Hobart Hurricanes in the 2nd over of the innings.
Alyssa Healy joined Ellyse Perry at the crease, the Sydney Sixers added 31 runs in the mandatory powerplay, and the duo went on to solidify the platform with a 44-run partnership for the 2nd wicket, which also took them past the 50-run mark. Another timely strike from the Hurricanes pacer Heather Graham, ending Ellyse Perry’s (33 off 29 balls) promising stay at the crease in the 9th over of the innings, providing the 2nd breakthrough for her side.
Alyssa Healy added impetus to the innings as she was joined by skipper Ashleigh Gardner at the crease. The 28-run partnership for the 3rd wicket had the Sixers in a commanding position, inching closer to the 100-run mark. Hayley Silver-Holmes got the big scalp of Ashleigh Gardner (9 off 13 balls) in the 13th over of the innings to provide the 3rd breakthrough for the Hurricanes.
The middle-order collapsed, and the Sydney Sixers were reduced to 95/6 in the 14th over of the innings, in a matter of 9 deliveries. Maddy Villiers (19 off 14 balls) joined Maitlan Brown (29 off 21 balls) at the crease, and the pair defied the Hurricanes bowlers and rescued their side with a much-needed 45-run partnership for the 7th wicket, which also took them closer to a competitive total. Sydney Sixers eventually crossed the 150-run mark (152/9) in their quota of 20 overs.
Alyssa Healy (37 off 26 balls) top-scored with the bat for the Sydney Sixers. Hayley Silver-Holmes (3-0-18-3) led the pace attack, while Linsey Smith (2-0-15-2), Lauren Smith (3-0-14-1), and Heather Graham (4-0-30-1) played their part with the ball for the Hobart Hurricanes.
Clinical show from the Hurricanes’ top-order gives them consecutive victories
The Hurricanes’ openers, Danielle Wyatt-Hodge and Lizelle Lee, took the fizz out of the run chase with a massive 95-run opening stand. The Hobart Hurricanes scored 41 runs in the mandatory power play. Skipper Ashleigh Gardner took the matter into her hands to provide the first breakthrough for the Sydney Sixers as she ended Danielle Wyatt-Hodge’s (45 off 26 balls) stay at the crease in the 10th over of the innings.
Nat Sciver-Brunt (21 off 16 balls) joined Lizelle Lee at the crease, and the duo carried the momentum forward with a 21-run partnership for the 2nd wicket. Lauren Cheatle got the crucial scalp of the opening batter, Lizelle Lee (55 off 33 balls) in the 12th over of the innings. However, the damage was already done as she registered a brisk half-century.
Hobart Hurricanes eventually got over the line with 6 wickets in hand and 19 balls to spare. Nicola Carey (26* off 18 balls) guided her side over the line with a handy cameo. Caoimhe Bray (3-0-17-2), Lauren Cheatle (3-0-27-1), and skipper Ashleigh Gardner (4-0-40-1) were the only wicket-takers with the ball for the Sydney Sixers.
Hayley Silver-Holmes (3-0-18-3) was awarded the Player of the Match for her impressive spell with the ball for her side, playing a crucial role in their victory.
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