sydney Sixers clinched their place in the WBBL finals with a thrilling final-ball victory over the Adelaide Strikers. The Sixers posted a total of 173/5, spearheaded by a remarkable innings from Ellyse Perry, who scored 103 runs.
Perry, named player of the match, was given a reprieve on 65 when a no-ball was called against Strikers bowler tahlia McGrath. She also survived a close call on 91 when a delivery from Amanda-Jade Wellington clipped her stumps but failed to dislodge the bails. Perry was eventually dismissed in the final over, caught by Tabatha Saville off the bowling of Eleanor Larosa after a ballooned delivery.
Earlier, perry had partnered with Sophia Dunkley, who contributed 54 runs, in a 141-run opening stand. Larosa also claimed Dunkley’s wicket. Later in the innings,Larosa secured further wickets,dismissing Alyssa Healy and Ashleigh Gardner.
The Strikers’ chase began cautiously, reaching 2-60 at the 10-over mark. Though, Bridget Patterson ignited their innings with a rapid 50 off 30 balls, setting up a tense final over were the Strikers needed 18 runs to win.
Patterson smashed two fours and a six off the first three balls of the last over, bowled by Gardner, before a single put Amanda-Jade Wellington on strike. Gardner then bowled Wellington, leaving Sophie Ecclestone needing three runs to win off the final delivery. Ecclestone was run out by Healy while attempting a second run, securing the Sixers’ victory.
The Sixers will discover their finals opponent on Tuesday following the match between the Scorchers and the Stars.
AAP
