Match 11 of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2025 saw Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder clash in an exciting Sydney derby at the Drummoyne Oval.
The Thunder won the toss and chose to field first. Their decision paid off instantly when Ellyse Perry was trapped lbw for just 6, dismissed by Georgia Voll. Sophie Dunkley kept the innings steady with a solid 43 off 35 balls, while Chamari Athapaththu ensured she didn’t go on to play a big knock.
However, after looking comfortable at 76/1, the Sixers suddenly slipped to 99/5 as wickets fell quickly. Shabnim Ismail was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3 wickets for 27 runs in her 4 overs. It was a tough day for the Sixers’ middle order, with six batters getting out before reaching double digits. Still, they managed to push their total to 142/9 at the end of 20 overs.
The Thunder’s chase never really got going. Their innings fell apart right from the start. Georgia Voll was dismissed for 1, and Tahlia Wilson followed for 7. Captain Phoebe Litchfield also fell cheaply for 8, leaving the Thunder in early trouble. And then came the moment of the match. Litchfield was dismissed on the last ball of the 7th over, and just two overs later, 16-year-old Caoimhe Bray produced something special in the 9th.
On the very first ball of her over, she bowled Anika Learoyd. The next ball, she sent Laura Harris back for a golden duck, completing a stunning hat-trick. With this spell, Bray became the youngest player ever to claim a WBBL four-wicket haul and a hat-trick, earning her the Player of the Match award.
Lucy Finn tried to keep the Thunder alive with an impressive 49 off 34 balls, but the target was always too far. The Thunder finished at 118/8, falling short by 24 runs. Maitlan Brown also contributed well for the Sixers with 2 important wickets, while Bray finished with figures of 4/15.
With this win, Sydney Sixers move up to second place on the points table and return to form after their loss to the Hurricanes. Sydney Thunder, meanwhile, are still searching for their first victory of the season and sit at seventh place.
Loves all things female cricket