Melbourne Renegades v Sydney Sixers

In what was a fascinating piece of scheduling, both of the semi-finals played off in regular season matches just days prior to the semi-finals.

The Sixers won the toss and batted, and as has been the case so often this tournament, Ellyse Perry was amongst the runs.

She batted through the innings for her 67 off 62 not out, and her innings was more reminiscent of last season, when she was tasked with anchoring the innings and accelerating late. She is now the first player to reach 2000 Big Bash runs.

Erin Burns was outstanding at the other end, smashing 53 off 37 not out, which allowed Perry to work her way into her innings.

Lea Tahuhu once again was brilliant with the ball, ending with 2/7 off four overs, including two maidens.

The Renegades struggled mightily in their chase, losing constant wickets and never getting ahead of the run rate. Marizanne Kapp, Perry, Dane van Niekerk and Gardner combined for 5/48 off 12 overs and showed the value of having world class bowlers in a T20 side.

Duffin provided some resilience with the bat, scoring a run a ball 39, but if the Renegades are to challenge the Sixers in the semi-final, they’ll need much more from their batters.