The eleventh edition of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) delivered a gripping contest at Bellerive Oval in Hobart, where Sydney Sixers Women scripted a remarkable comeback—just days after suffering a 111-run defeat to the Melbourne Stars—by clinching their third win of the season, handing Hobart Hurricanes Women their first loss in six matches. Having won the toss and chosen to bat first, the Sixers produced a battling total that eventually proved just enough on a surface that challenged timing and stroke-making throughout.
The Sixers’ innings was built on the assurance of Sophia Dunkley, whose composed 50 off 46 balls with eight fours held the top order together. Ellyse Perry provided early fluency with 28 off 22, striking three boundaries before she was dismissed by Heather Graham at 9.1 overs. Alyssa Healy managed only 2 before falling to Nat Sciver-Brunt, but Ashleigh Gardner counter-attacked with a punchy 25 off 18, decorated with four fours.
Maitlan Brown’s brisk 19 off 14 kept the middle overs moving, while Mady Villiers chipped in with 8 off 7 — to help the Sixers close at 147/9 from their 20 overs, a total that always felt competitive in the conditions. From the Hurricanes’ bowling unit, Graham was the pick of the bowlers with her 4/29 and she was well supported by Linsey Smith (2/25) and Sciver Brunt (2/22).
The Hurricanes’ chase began explosively through Lizelle Lee, who blasted 28 off just 11 balls, smashing seven boundaries at a strike rate of 254.55 before Gardner removed her at 3.3 overs. Danni Wyatt-Hodge contributed 17 off 17, while Nat Sciver-Brunt fell cheaply for 2. Nicola Carey’s 22 off 20 kept the innings in the balance, but the Sixers’ bowlers struck repeatedly to break any developing partnerships.
Heather Graham added only 1, and Elyse Villani fought hard for a composed 42 off 31, striking four boundaries and a six. Rachel Trenaman’s quick 12 off 8 momentarily revived hopes, but regular wickets from the Sixers’ attack meant that no stand could settle.
From 129/6, the Hurricanes slid rapidly. Hayley Silver-Holmes (6), Molly Strano (0), Lauren Smith (1) and Linsey Smith (0) all fell in quick succession, leaving the innings stranded at 136 all out in 18.4 overs, 11 runs short of the target.
The Sixers’ bowling unit displayed exceptional discipline, with Ashleigh Gardner leading the way, delivering a decisive spell of 4 overs, 36 runs, 4 wickets, a performance that earned her the Player of the Match award. Maitlan Brown (2/30), Lauren Cheatle (2/36), and Mady Villiers (2/18), all chipped in, ensuring constant pressure and denying the Hurricanes any sustained momentum.
In the end, the Sixers completed a hard-fought 11-run victory, not only securing their third win of the campaign but also halting the Hurricanes’ impressive unbeaten streak. It was a performance marked by resilience, sharp execution, and a renewed sense of belief—an emphatic statement from a side bouncing back strongly after being blown away in their previous outing.
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