An Ash Gardner batting masterclass combined with a youngster’s epic performance in the field set up an emphatic win for the Sixers in the Sydney Smash on Sunday.
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In a rain-affected game reduced to 16 overs, Gardner scored the second fastest half century in WBBL history to lift the Sixers to 2-162.
Gardner brought up her fifty off 18 deliveries and finished unbeaten on 64 off 25 deliveries in a blistering performance at North Sydney Oval.
Young gun fast bowler Caoimhe Bray then led the charge for the Sixers with the ball, taking 4-28 to help keep the Thunder to 158.
The Sixers came away with a nine-run win on DLS method and remain unbeaten with a 4-0 start to the season.
Meanwhile, the Thunder suffer their second loss of the campaign to go 2-2.
RETIRED CALL
Gardner’s knock may have never came about if it wasn’t for some smart tactical thinking from coach Peter Clarke and the Sixers decision makers.
When players had to come off for a rain delay after the opening nine overs, the game was reduced yet again from a 19-over game down to 16.
So with just seven overs to play, the Sixers decided to retire out Melie Kerr, who was 14 off 17 balls, to bring the big-hitting Gardner to the crease.
And the call paid off with Gardner hitting 10 boundaries, including five sixes in her destructive knock.
Star all-rounder Ellyse Perry also played a critical role in lifting the Sixers with an unbeaten 59 from 41 deliveries.
BIG HITTING
Thunder big hitter Laura Harris gave the Sixers a scare in the run chase with a rapid-fire 35 runs from 10 balls.
Harris struck four maximums including a big switch-hit six into her team’s dugout a ball after hitting another ball over the boundary.
But the explosive batter’s innings came to an end after Bray drew a false shot out of her.
BRAY STARS
The 17-year-old took 4-28, including the huge scalps of Phoebe Litchfield, Georgia Voll, Nadine de Klerk and Harris.
And Bray capped off her magical game with the catch of the season on the boundary line.
Sarah Coyte officially took the catch, but Bray will get credit for remarkably keeping the ball in play.
“No way… Caoimhe Bray is having the day of her life out there,” Jason Richardson declared in commentary.
“She’s an incredible athlete but this is next level,” added Trent Copeland.
Perry was also sensational in the field. Perry landed a big blow when she threw the stumps down from mid-on for a massive run out.
Gardner also took two wickets with the ball to cap off a strong performance.
The Sixers face the Renegades next in Melbourne on Thursday and the Thunder travel to play Perth Scorchers on Wednesday.
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