SIXERS’ LUCKY BREAK
HOBART Hurricanes had their hearts broken by a gamechanging umpiring decision in Sunday’s loss to Sydney Sixers.
The Sixers blew the Hurricanes off the park early in Hobart’s innings at Blundstone Arena with Ellyse Perry making a mark on the Sixers’ second match of WBBL|07.
By the time her first two overs were up, she had sent both openers packing. Indian teen star Richa Ghosh was the saviour lifting the Canes to 9/125 with 46 at a run a ball.
The Sixers made it hard for themselves, with new Hurricane Molly Strano sending big-hitting Ashleigh Gardner packing for three after dangerous Alyssa Healy was bowled by Tayla Vlaeminck for the same total.
A questionable umpiring decision prevented the Canes from gaining complete ascendancy during the power play. When a Vlaeminck delivery struck Shafali Verma’s pads in front of leg-stump, it appeared the Indian international would be the third Sixers batter dismissed within four overs. Subsequent replays revealed a clear lbw but the teen sensation continued her innings to top score with 57 from 50 balls as they won with just five balls to spare by five wickets.
In the other game, Brisbane Heat skipper Jess Jonassen was left disappointed as Sophie Devine blew her away in a dramatic super over.
An incredible brain fade led to the first super over of this season’s WBBL, before Devine stole a thrilling win for the Perth Scorchers.
With the Brisbane Heat needing 10 runs off the final over, South African Nadine de Klerk strayed out of her crease at the nonstriker’s end and found herself run out with one ball remaining.
Devine hit two sixes off Jonassen to power the Scorchers home with two balls of the super over remaining.