The Sydney Sixers overcame the Melbourne Stars with a decisive 16-run victory in their latest Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) match at Drummoyne Oval on Wednesday. This win marks a significant turnaround for Sydney, who had previously faced a heavy defeat against the Stars less than two weeks prior.
In a standout performance, Ash Gardner scored her highest WBBL innings in over two years, notching up 50 runs off just 31 balls. Gardner also showcased her bowling skills, taking three wickets, which proved vital in steering the Sixers to a crucial victory. With this win, the Sixers moved into a tie for second place in the standings alongside the Stars, while also holding a game in hand.
On November 20, 2023, the Stars’ celebrated player Meg Lanning produced a remarkable innings of 135 against the Sixers, which remains the top score of the current season. However, since that match, the Sixers have rebounded impressively, currently riding a three-game winning streak, complemented by one no-result. In contrast, the Stars have struggled recently, suffering defeats in their last two encounters, leaving them three points adrift of league leaders Hobart.
The Sixers won the toss and opted to bat first. Gardner set the tone for a strong innings, striking seven fours and two sixes, while opener Sophia Dunkley contributed a solid 41 runs. The team finished their innings at a commendable 5-164.
The Stars’ chase began poorly when Gardner trapped Lanning lbw for a mere eight runs, leaving them at 4-30. This poignant moment opened the door for England’s Maia Bouchier, making her WBBL season debut as a replacement for South Africa’s Marizanne Kapp. Bouchier proved instrumental in stabilizing the innings, forging a fifth-wicket partnership of 82 runs with Kim Garth before Gardner dismissed Garth for 17.
As the match progressed, Dani Gibson added pressure with aggressive batting, hitting three consecutive fours. By the 18th over, the Stars were positioned at 5-131, but Bouchier, who had been the star of the innings, was dismissed for a match-high 67 runs off 40 balls, caught brilliantly by Lauren Cheatle. Gibson followed soon after, leaving the Stars at 8-148 when the innings concluded.
Gardner’s exceptional bowling performance saw her finish with figures of 3-31 from four overs, securing the Sixers’ victory. The Sixers now look ahead to their final regular-season matches against the Melbourne Renegades and Adelaide Strikers, while the Stars will compete against the Sydney Thunder as the season races to its conclusion.
