It was another big weekend in the Women's Big Bash League with seven games across the two days.
Saturday
Melbourne Stars v Perth Scorchers
Star opener Elyse Villani has led the way for the Scorchers with an eight-wicket win over the Stars.
HOW GOOD IS THAT WINNING FEELING π@ElyseVillani scored her second half century of the season πππ₯ & earned player of the match honours during our 8 wicket win over @StarsWBBL πͺ
β Perth Scorchers (@ScorchersBBL) December 15, 2018
Check out the match report here π https://t.co/YpdUe7I04w#MADETOUGH #WBBL04 pic.twitter.com/9Y8JfUVyRQ
Finalist last season, the Scorchers suffered a rare double defeatΒ last weekend and were without injured skipper Meg Lanning this round.
Villani looked comfortable throughout posting 52 not out while Graham was equally at ease for her unbeaten 39.
The Stars, who battered first, found run-scoring a difficult proposition following some disciplined bowling.
Adelaide Strikers v Sydney Thunder
Strikers have suffered a six-wicket loss despite captain Suzie Bates, who was named Player of the Match, compiling an impressive 79 off 60 balls, while wickets fell around her.
An important 13-run cameo from batter Alex Price led the Strikers to a total of 134, while no other Strikers batters managed to make an impact.
Thunder opener Rachel Priest (58 not out) highlighted her side's innings, and heavily supported by Harmanpreet Kaur (33 off 22 balls), as they reached the required total in 17.3 overs.
Samantha Betts, Amanda-Jade Wellington and Sarah Coyte took a wicket each, with Coyte the standout, taking figures of 1/20 from four overs.
Hobart Hurricanes v Sydney Sixers
Ashleigh Gardner has hit a blistering half-century to lift the Sixers to a famous seven-wicket win over the Hurricanes in a rain-affected match.
The Hurricanes reached 4-112 before rain forced the players from the field and eventually returned to face the final over finishing with a total of 5-133.
Set a mammoth 10 runs an over, the Sixers were in trouble early with opener Alyssa Healy dismissed in the first over for eight with an in-form Ellyse Perry soon following.
But Gardner found form at the perfect moment, scoring a whirlwind 79 not out, including three sixes and joined with Erin Burns, putting on 88 in an extraordinary 41-ball partnership.
5οΈβ£0οΈβ£ SIMPLY BRILLIANT! 79 not out off 50 balls, including 12 fours and 3 sixes! πͺ
β Sydney Sixers WBBL (@SixersWBBL) December 15, 2018
You won't see a better innings in a big run chase than this knock by @akgardner97 π#smashemsixers pic.twitter.com/EwLgvhDcI7
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