Amelia Kerr Shines on Sixers Debut as They Defeat Stars in Rain-Affected Match
Stars' captain Annabel Sutherland and Marizanne Kapp attempted to steady the innings, but Kapp's run-out triggered a collapse, leaving Stars at 122/7. Ecclestone finished with 3 wickets, while Kerr claimed 2.
Amelia Kerr had a dream debut for Sydney Sixers, helping them cruise to victory over Melbourne Stars in a rain-impacted clash at the Junction Oval. The match was reduced to 18 overs per side due to rain, and after a strong start by Stars, Sixers dominated both with the ball and bat to secure a comfortable win.
Stars started aggressively with opener Ines McKeon hitting two sixes to race to 16 off 7 balls. However, Ellyse Perry broke the partnership, and Sophie Ecclestone made her mark by dismissing Meg Lanning and Yastika Bhatia. Stars' captain Annabel Sutherland and Marizanne Kapp attempted to steady the innings, but Kapp's run-out triggered a collapse, leaving Stars at 122/7. Ecclestone finished with 3 wickets, while Kerr claimed 2.
In reply, Sixers lost Sarah Bryce early to Kim Garth, but Perry, in superb form, and Kerr combined to take control. Despite the rising required run rate, the duo kept the pressure on, adding 104 for the second wicket. When rain interrupted play again, Sixers were comfortably ahead, and the match was called off, with the Sixers declared winners under the DLS method.
The win placed Sydney Sixers at the top of the standings, sharing the position with Sydney Thunder and Perth Scorchers, although they have played one extra match.
Brief Scores:
- Melbourne Stars: 122/7 in 18 overs (Annabel Sutherland 42; Sophie Ecclestone 3/18, Amelia Kerr 2/36)
- Sydney Sixers: 104/1 in 15 overs (Ellyse Perry 48*, Amelia Kerr 47*) – Sixers win by 6 runs via DLS
