The Sydney Sixers have pulled off a remarkable win in Hobart over the previously undefeated Hurricanes.
The Hurricanes elected to bowl first at home, sending the Sixers into bat.
Number one draft pick and English opener Sophia Dunkley showed her class, leading the batting with a strong 50 off 46 balls, alongside opening partner Ellyse Perry, who scored 28 (22) before being bowled by Heather Graham.
The Sixers set a strong target to defend in the second innings, but Hurricanes stalwart and opening batter Lizelle Lee looked dangerous early, finishing on 28 off just 11 balls.
However, the Sixers held tight in the field and remained disciplined with the ball, bringing the match down to the final 10 deliveries, requiring a single wicket to secure the win.
Pace bowler and NSW Breakers captain Lauren Cheatle charged into bowl to former Sixer and English cricketer Linsey Smith, who chipped a delivery short and was caught by Ellyse Perry — sealing the victory.
Sixers star bowler Lauren Cheatle expressed her pride in the group to recover from what was a disappointing loss to the Melbourne Stars on Thursday.
The Sydney Sixers lost the Melbourne Stars at home on Thursday in what was the second-worst loss in WBBL history.
“A really hard-fought and important win for us, with contributions all down the list.
“I thought Ash (Gardner) was fantastic in the death and led from the front.
“I think we’ll take a lot of confidence from being able to win from any position.
“Hopefully this is the start of some really nice momentum as we head into the back end of the season.”
In another player-of-the-match performance from Ash Gardner, the captain claimed an instrumental 4fa with the ball and scored 25 (18) with the bat against the ladder leaders.
The Sixers move into the third spot on the ladder after this win, as they look to forward towards playing the Brisbane Heat at Adelaide Oval this Friday from 3:40 pm AEDT.
Their next home game will be the Sydney Smash against cross-town rivals the Sydney Thunder at North Sydney Oval.
Tickets are available now via the Sydney Sixers’ website.