WBBL Review: Sixers scorched by Perth as Stars go top

Melbourne Stars capitalised on Sydney Sixers losing, Sophie Devine hit the first century of WBBL 06 and individual brilliance was the order of the day

Perth scorch Sydney Sixers 

Sydney Sixers were out to make it four wins on the trot and consolidate their position at the top of the table, but Perth Scorchers had other ideas, as they ran out victorious by 36 runs.  

With only one win all season, Scorchers were far from favourites and after losing to Melbourne Stars in their previous game, the odds would’ve been stacked against them. 

WBBL fans saw their first century of the 2020 season as Scorchers captain Sophie Devine blitzed 103 off 68 deliveries in a knock that included five fours and seven sixes. She was two balls away from carrying the bat but was run out by Ashleigh Gardner who combined nicely with Sixers keeper, Alyssa Healy.  

Devine was supported well by Beth Mooney, who scored 60 off 44 balls in a knock which included seven fours and a six. The pair put on 151 for the first wicket, the fifth highest partnership in WBBL history, before Mooney was caught by Marizanne Kapp off the bowling of her wife, Dane van Niekerk. Mooney and Devine were the only two Scorchers batters to reach double figures as their side reached 183 for 4. 

Despite the defeat, Sixers can take some comfort that Kapp found form. The South African hit 68 off 53 balls – striking five fours and two sixes. Erin Burns (34) was the only other player to pass 20 as Sixers mustered 147 for 5. 

_{Sophie Devine scored the first century of WBBL 06}

Melbourne Stars go top 

Before Sydney Sixers stepped onto the park, Melbourne Stars had ramped up the pressure by defeating defending champions Brisbane Heat by 23 runs. 

As a result of this victory, the Stars are the only side yet to be defeated. Once again, this was largely down to Meg Lanning. The 28-year-old smashed 54 off 25 balls, hitting six fours and three sixes, notching her second fifty in as many days. This all happened in the powerplay as Lanning was dismissed by New Zealand spinner Amelia Kerr with the first ball after the fielding restrictions were relaxed. 

There were contributions from Elyse Villani (25), Annabel Sutherland (23) and Erin Osborne (20) as the Stars reached 177 for 9 off their 20 overs. 

With only one win and four points on the board at the halfway stage, this is turning into a campaign to forget for Brisbane Heat. This game could’ve been even more embarrassing if it wasn’t for Grace Harris. The young opener bludgeoned 81 off 52 balls, striking seven fours and four sixes in the process. Batting at eight, Georgia Voll was the only other batter to pass 20. 

_{Grace Harris hit the highest score of the match as Brisbane Heat lost out}

Sydney Thunder return to winning ways by the barest of margins 

After losing their previous match to Melbourne Renegades by just a couple of runs, Sydney Thunder would’ve been hurting. 

It seems they dusted themselves down well and put the defeat behind them as Rachael Haynes and her team edged out a thriller, beating Hobart Hurricanes by a single run. 

Heather Knight has been in excellent touch throughout the competition and she continued to impress in this game. Hitting an unbeaten 61 off 49 at four, she set the tone and put her side in pole position at the halfway stage. She then backed up her batting performance with the ball, taking 2 for 12 off her three overs to deservedly win the player of the match award. 

Chasing a very gettable 130 for victory at Hurstville Oval, it was wicketkeeper Rachel Priest who stood up. She nearly won the game singlehandedly, with an unbeaten 83 off 64 balls – hitting nine fours and four sixes along the way.  

Hurricanes lost 4 for 7 in little over two overs at the back end of the innings, in a period which seemed to blow the game. Priest aside, Haley Mathews was the next top-scorer with only 14. 

_{Rachel Priest hit 83 but others around her struggled to get going}

Individual brilliance was the order of the day 

Stafanie Taylor was player of the match as Adelaide Strikers edged out Melbourne Renegades by half a dozen runs at North Sydney Oval. 

Taylor hit 60 off 48 balls and was part of something special as for the first time in WBBL history there were eight scores of 50 or more on a single day.  

Amanda-Jade Wellington provided some support for West Indies’ captain by scoring 21 in a partnership of 43. 

Sophie Molineux led the way with the ball for Renegades as, taking 3 for 20. There were also two each for Rosemary Mair and Carly Leeson. 

In pursuit of 128 for victory, Georgia Wareham top-scored in vain with 42, Leeson was the next best with 32. Sarah Coyte was the pick of the Adelaide bowlers, taking 2 for 21.