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In a rain-affected clash at Junction Oval, the Sydney Sixers emerged victorious over the Melbourne Stars by six runs under the DLS method in Match 18 of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBL) 2024.
Annabel Sutherland guides Melbourne Stars to a competitive total
Put in to bat first, Melbourne Stars posted a competitive total of 122/7 in 18 overs. While opener Yastika Bhatia struggled with a slow 20 off 29 balls, Ines Mckeon brought some flair with a quickfire 16 off 8, including two sixes. However, the middle order struggled to get going, with Meg Lanning and Deepti Sharma falling cheaply. Annabel Sutherland top-scored for the Stars, anchoring the innings with a crucial 42 off 36 balls, hitting two fours and two sixes. Marizanne Kapp (16 off 12) and Rhys McKenna (7 off 3) chipped in with brief cameos to lift the total.
Sydney Sixers’ bowlers, led by Sophie Ecclestone, kept the Stars’ scoring in check. Ecclestone was outstanding, claiming 3/18 in her four overs. Amelia Kerr provided solid support, taking 2/36, while captain Perry managed a crucial breakthrough, finishing with figures of 1/12 in her two overs.
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Ellyse Perry and Amelia Kerr take Sydney Sixers over the finish line
Chasing 123, Sydney Sixers lost Sarah Bryce early for just one run. However, Perry, in fine form, anchored the innings alongside Amelia Kerr, with both playing measured knocks. Perry compiled an unbeaten 48 off 44 balls, while Kerr matched her teammate’s pace with 47 off 41, as the pair stitched together a steady partnership, inching closer to the target. Rain disrupted play after 15 overs, at which point the Sixers were at 104/1, putting them six runs ahead of the DLS par score and securing them the victory.
Kerr’s all-around performance earned her the Player of the Match award, as she shone with both bat and ball. Melbourne Stars will look to improve their middle-order batting in future games, while Sydney Sixers’ bowlers, especially Ecclestone, will be key as they aim to carry this winning momentum forward in the league.
