WBBL 2017/18: Sydney Sixers emerge triumphant in derby clash, Hobart's miserable run continues
Alyssa Healy stars in Sydney derby
Two teams that had amassed a cumulative total of 442 runs in their opening encounters took centre stage at the North Sydney Oval. While a run-fest was expected, things did not pan out that way.
The Thunder, having won the toss, decided to set a target and that proved to be their downfall. Three down with just 66 runs on the board, it was Alex Blackwell who began a spirited fightback, in the company of first Harmanpreet Kaur and then Naomi Stalenberg. However, a poor start to their innings meant all they could manage was 142 from their quota of 20 overs.
That was never going to be enough against an explosive Sixers batting lineup boasting two of the most talented players in international cricket - Ellyse Perry and Alyssa Healy. While Perry was dismissed early, Healy got her side off to the perfect start, smoking four boundaries off the first over. She eventually fell one short of a half-century but along with Ashleigh Gardner (47), ensured they chased down the total with ease.
Brief scores: Sydney Thunder Women 142/6 (20 overs); Sydney Sixers Women 146/4 (18.4 overs)
Sydney Sixers won by 6 wickets
Suzie Bates ton dismantles Hobart
The New Zealand captain powered her way to a century (102 off 65 balls), all but sealing the fate of the Hurricanes. While most of the batting failed, Sophie Devine's 43 ensured they put up a more than competitive 176 on the board.
In reply, the Hurricanes' innings gained no momentum as they lost wickets in clusters. Veda Krishnamurthy top-scored for the Hurricanes (21) with just three batters reaching double digits.
Amanda Wellington choked the Hurricanes into submission with figures of 3/9 from her four overs.
Adelaide Strikers Women 176/6 (20 overs); Hobart Hurricanes Women 93 (18.5 overs)
Adelaide Strikers Women won by 83 runs.
Perth Scorchers notch up first win
Kimmince pulverised the Perth Scorchers' attack, notching up her highest T20 score in the process (87). However, she could not lead her side to victory as they fell 18 runs short of the target set by the Scorchers. Katherine Brunt was the pick of the Scorchers bowlers, picking up three wickets while conceding a measly 23 runs.
Earlier, Perth's innings followed a similar script with Sciver scything the Heat bowling. She too notched up a fifty with hardly any support from her teammates. However, Lauren Ebsary's late flourish took the Scorchers to 188 which proved enough in the end.
Brief scores: Perth Scorchers Women 188/6 (20 overs); Brisbane Heat Women 170/9 (20 overs).
Perth Scorchers Women won by 18 runs