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Sciver stars with sizzling knock

Natalie Sciver's first match in orange also produced her finest WBBL batting performance in the form of a match-winning knock

Recruit Natalie Sciver was quick to warm herself to teammates and fans alike with a sterling 84-run knock in Perth Scorcher’s Rebel WBBL season opener against Brisbane Heat at North Sydney Oval.

Things looked dicey for the Scorchers early after captain Ellyse Villani won the toss and elected to bat - having been charmed by the plethora of runs scored in Saturday’s matches at the same venue - only for the Scorchers’ top order to fall inexpensively.

Sciver was the catalyst for a change in fortunes, powering to 84 runs off just 46 deliveries to get her side into the contest.

The former Melbourne Star found the gaps well and timed the bulk of her shots perfectly, with 62 of her runs coming via the boundary, courtesy of 11 fours and three sixes. However, luck played its part, too, with Sciver dropped on 31 when a ball she struck burst through Sammy-Jo Johnson’s fingertips and travelled on for four.

The performance – by far Sciver’s best in the WBBL, easily eclipsing her previous best of 37 – swung the momentum the Scorchers’ way. She teamed with fellow English import Katherine Brunt (22 off 24) to put on 84 runs for the fourth wicket, and then with Lauren Ebsary (37no) to add another 35 for the fifth.

Match Highlights: Scorchers v Heat

But she was unable to post her maiden century on Australian soil, her innings coming to an end when she skied a return catch to Heat bowler Haidee Birkett.

Speaking to Network Ten after her dismissal, Sciver said the Scorchers were conscious of what the deck could offer Heat in its chase.

"(We) saw the games yesterday, so knew it was a good batting deck,” she said. “(We had) a couple of wickets at the top (so we) needed to sort of steady it a little bit and then also get on with it, ’cause we saw yesterday it was good to bat on, so we needed a good score to defend.”

The Scorchers’ 188 was a good buffer against a Delissa Kimmince-led Heat batting line-up. The former captain belted 87 off 54 balls, but with many of her teammates failing to hit double-digits, the support was thin on the ground as Heat fell 18 runs short.

How can I tune in?

This season, you will be spoiled for choice with where to get your daily dose of WBBL action. Network Ten is broadcasting nine matches on its main channel during the regular season, with both semi-finals to be shown on One, before the final returns to Ten. All remaining matches will be live streamed free on cricket.com.au and via the CA Live app.

This year, Australia’s No.1 editorial brand for women, Mamamia, has jumped on board and joined forces with Cricket Australia. The partnership will see Mamamia carry all 47 cricket.com.au live-streamed matches.

How can I go to a game?

The great news is, all WBBL standalone games are free to attend! Rock up at the ground, walk through the gates and get ready to enjoy a few hours of pulsating cricket entertainment with your family and friends.

Tickets for the WBBL-BBL double-headers can be purchased here.

WBBL|03: Watch me play

Is there a WBBL Fantasy competition?

This summer there is a revamped Big Bash Fantasy competition, featuring the WBBL for the first time! The WBBL Fantasy will look slightly different to the men’s, with a new team of five players able to be picked each game day. Select two batters, two bowlers, a wicketkeeper and you’re right to go!

Details on the new-look competition are here, while you can sign up for Big Bash Fantasy here.

Who's your top pick in WBBL Fantasy?