WBBL Round-Up: Perry Shines for Sixers, Heat Defeats Defending Champions
The opening day of the WBBL season featured six teams in action, with notable performances from Ellyse Perry and Charli Knott, among others.
Brisbane Heat vs. Adelaide Strikers
Brisbane Heat 134 for 6 (Knott 44) defeated Adelaide Strikers 133 for 5 (McGrath 51) by four wickets.**
Brisbane Heat began their season with a significant victory, avenging their defeat in last year’s final by beating the Adelaide Strikers. After limiting the Strikers to 133 for 5, the Heat chased down the target with Charli Knott anchoring the innings, scoring a solid 44 off 30 balls.
The chase had a few hiccups, particularly when Megan Schutt took two quick wickets. Grace Harris set a solid foundation before being dismissed by Jemma Barsby’s impressive caught and bowled, while Lauren Winfield-Hill was bowled by Orla Prendergast, who secured her first wicket on debut. Anesu Mushangwe’s first delivery led to a wicket, but by then, the game was nearly in the Heat's hands.
Sydney Sixers vs. Melbourne Renegades
Sydney Sixers 179 for 7 (Perry 81, Bryce 36) defeated Melbourne Renegades 178 for 8 (Wareham 61, Webb 43; Perry 2-25, Sippel 2-33) by three wickets.*
In the second match, Ellyse Perry led the Sydney Sixers to victory over the Melbourne Renegades with a blistering performance. Perry scored 81 runs off just 38 balls, striking 11 fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 213. Her aggressive batting helped the Sixers chase down a challenging target of 179, with the team reaching 121 runs in just 12 overs.
Perry fell to Georgia Wareham at the start of the 13th over, but Sarah Bryce contributed significantly with an unbeaten 36 off 25 balls, guiding the Sixers home. Fifteen-year-old Caoimhe Bray, the youngest player in WBBL history, also made her mark with a quickfire 12 runs, including the winning runs.
Despite the loss, Georgia Wareham had an impressive day, both with the bat and ball. She scored a rapid 61 off 31 balls, including a powerful finish where she hit Sophie Ecclestone for four and two sixes in the final over. Her innings, along with Courtney Webb’s 43, helped set a competitive total, but the middle order could not capitalize on good starts, which ultimately proved costly.
Summary of Results:
- Brisbane Heat 134/6 defeated Adelaide Strikers 133/5 by 4 wickets.
- Sydney Sixers 179/7 defeated Melbourne Renegades 178/8 by 3 wickets.
The opening day of the WBBL season showcased thrilling matches and set the stage for an exciting tournament ahead.
