Match Recap: Sixers defeat Scorchers

Match in a tweet: Sixers flying high as they knock off the Scorchers in the top-of-the-table clash 

The score: Sydney Sixers 6-132 (Gardner 40, McGlashan 36) in 20 overs beat Perth Scorchers 6-120 (Bates 52) in 20 overs by 12 runs

The hero: Ashleigh Gardner once again showed why she is one of the emerging superstars of WBBL|02. Despite the Sixers losing Ellyse Perry and Alyssa Healy very early in the innings, Gardner decided to counter attack against English quicks, Katherine Brunt and Anya Shrubsole. The ploy proved extremely successful as Gardner dispatched Brunt over the ropes with a furious pull and then followed it up with a scorching cut to give the Sixers innings a much-needed impetus. Gardner latched on to anything in her zone, as her innings strike rate rocketed to an incredible 179.91. The Sixers No.3 powered seven fours and gigantic six in her quick-fire innings of 40 from 23 balls. 

The support cast: There are a couple of Sixers players who deserve a notable mention. Sara McGlashan resurrected the Sixers innings by scoring a fine 36 from 40 balls and in the process added a vital 69 runs for the third wicket with Gardner. Then with the ball, Sara Aley once again showed her class by holding her nerve during the clinch overs. With the Scorchers needing 31 from 18 balls and with a rampant Suzie Bates at the crease, Aley knocked over Nicole Bolton and Bates with consecutive balls to put the Sixers in the box seat.  

The consolation act: Spare a thought for Scorchers skipper Suzie Bates, who was instrumental with the bat and the ball. The Kiwi allrounder took a wicket in her four-over spell and then notched up a half-century with the bat to keep the Scorchers in the game. Bates smashed six fours in her innings of 52 from 53 balls as Scorchers fought gallantly till the end to go down by 12 runs.

The double blow: It was an anticipated clash, Sixers opening batters Perry/Healy against the Scorchers opening bowlers of Shrubsole/Brunt. It was a battle within a battle that the English pair won hands down, by dismissing Perry (0) and Healy (3) for low scores. 

The next stop: The Scorchers will get another crack at the Sixers tomorrow when both team face off at the SCG.

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