England batter Sophia Dunkley will return to the Sydney Sixers for Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 12 after signing a one-year deal with the club. Dunkley had an important role for the Sixers in WBBL 11 and quickly became a regular part of their batting line-up. She scored 354 runs and finished as the team’s second-highest run-scorer behind Ellyse Perry. Her performances also helped the Sixers reach the finals. Her return gives the team an experienced international batter who already knows the group and conditions in Australia.
Dunkley has been part of England’s set-up since making her international debut in 2018 and has built a strong name across formats. She was part of England’s 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup campaign, playing three matches and scoring 120 runs. She averaged 60.00 and had a strike rate of 139.53, with a highest score of 57 from 37 balls against Scotland. That innings earned her Player of the Match honours. These numbers show the value she can bring to the Sixers when she returns.
The 28-year-old will arrive in Australia after a successful campaign with Trent Rockets in The Hundred. She played alongside fellow Sixers star Ashleigh Gardner and was part of the Rockets side that won the 2026 title. Dunkley became The Hundred’s all-time leading run-scorer during the competition. Her recent form gives the Sixers another reason to be pleased with the signing. She returns to a team where she already has experience, after playing strong cricket in England.
Dunkley said her first season in Sydney left a good impression and that she was happy to return. “I loved my time with the Sixers last season and I’m so excited to be back,” Dunkley said. She also spoke about the welcome she received from the club and the people around the team. “From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed by the players, coaches and fans.” Her return should be more comfortable, as she already knows the dressing room and what it means to play at North Sydney.
Sydney Sixers General Manager Rachael Haynes also welcomed Dunkley’s return and pointed to the impact she made during WBBL 11. “Sophia made an immediate impact last season, adding quality to our batting line-up and quickly becoming a valued member of the group on and off-the-field,” Haynes said. The Sixers believe her international experience and recent performances will be useful in the WBBL campaign. Dunkley has also shown that she can settle into the team quickly and contribute with the bat.
Haynes added that Dunkley continues to perform at the highest level and that the club was pleased to have her back. “Sophia is an experienced international player who continues to perform on the biggest stages, and we’re delighted she’ll be back in Magenta this summer.” Dunkley will now work under newly appointed Sixers WBBL head coach Peter Clarke. Her return adds another familiar face to a squad that includes leading Australian and international players. That mix could be important for the Sixers as they look ahead to WBBL 12.
The Sydney Sixers’ Weber WBBL 12 list, as of September 3, includes Maitlan Brown, Caoimhe Bray, Lauren Cheatle, Sophia Dunkley (o/s), Ashleigh Gardner, Elsa Hunter, Amelia Kerr (o/s), Ellyse Perry and Courtney Sippel. Dunkley’s presence gives the squad another proven run-scorer, while her previous season means she does not have to start again with a new team. Her partnership with players such as Gardner and Perry will also be familiar from her earlier time with the club.
For the Sixers, bringing Dunkley back is a move that builds on something that worked well last season. She knows the team, has recent success behind her and has continued to perform for England and Trent Rockets. After scoring 354 runs in WBBL 11 and reaching the final, she will have another chance to make her mark in Sydney. With WBBL 12 approaching, Dunkley’s return adds experience, confidence and another strong batting option to the Sixers’ plans.
Loves all things female cricket