WBBL 2024: Ellyse Perry guides Sydney Sixers to a close win over Hobart Hurricanes

In an exciting Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) match 15 at Hobart, the Sydney Sixers clinched a nail-biting victory against the Hobart Hurricanes, defending a target of 156. Despite valiant efforts from Hurricanes’ middle-order batters, they fell short by just seven runs, concluding their innings at 149/9. Ellyse Perry’s excellent knock of 86 and Sophie Ecclestone’s disciplined bowling were instrumental in securing the win for the Sixers.

Ellyse Perry’s explosive knock lays a solid foundation

The Sixers, batting first, relied heavily on their captain Perry, who scored a fantastic 86 off 62 balls. Perry played with great poise, anchoring the innings with support from Ashleigh Gardner and Hollie Armitage, who contributed 21 and 30 runs, respectively. Perry’s innings included 11 boundaries and two sixes, accelerating the Sixers to a competitive total of 155/7. The Hurricanes bowlers, particularly Chloe Tryon and Nicola Carey, managed to take crucial wickets, but Perry’s innings ultimately set a high bar for the chase.

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Hobart Hurricanes’ chase falters against Sydney Sixers

The Hurricanes began their chase confidently, despite losing Lizelle Lee in the first over. Danni Wyatt-Hodge played a brisk knock, scoring 30 off 26 balls, while captain Elyse Villani added crucial momentum with a 17-ball 26. This strong start suggested the Hurricanes were on track, but the Sixers’ bowlers quickly fought back. Lauren Cheatle’s early breakthroughs, combined with Sophie Ecclestone’s tight spell of 4 overs for just 22 runs and 2 wickets, kept the Hurricanes under increasing pressure.

Carey and Tryon tried to stabilize the innings, contributing valuable runs in the middle overs, but the Hurricanes’ lower order struggled to keep up with the required rate. With 22 runs needed off the final two overs, the Hurricanes faced an uphill battle. Despite a late effort from Lauren Smith, the Hurricanes ultimately fell short, leaving the Sixers to celebrate a thrilling last-over victory.

That was fun!

The @SixersBBL get yet another W over the Hurricanes. #WBBL10 pic.twitter.com/TnJaLdR1yU

— Weber Women’s Big Bash League (@WBBL) November 6, 2024

Also READ: Beth Mooney shines in Perth Scorchers’ impressive win over Brisbane Heat in WBBL 2024

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.