Strikers’ world-class attack prevents Sixers from claiming first win

The reigning WBBL champions picked up their first win of the new season with an impressive performance against the Sixers.

The Adelaide Strikers survived an onslaught from Ellyse Perry to claim an 11-run WBBL Weber win over the Sydney Sixers at North Sydney Oval.

The two-time defending champions, who lost their first match last weekend, recovered from 4-51 in the seventh over to post 171 against the hosts after being dismissed.

Bridget Patterson (44 off 32 balls) and Ireland’s Orla Prendergast (39 off 31 balls) restored the innings with a 54-ball stand for the fifth wicket.

A brilliant cameo from man of the match Amanda-Jade Wellington, who hit six fours and two sixes in a 16-ball 40, added substance to the innings.

“I just love it, I love moving laterally around the crease and hitting odd places,” Wellington told broadcaster Fox Cricket.

The Sixers were well placed at 3-140 but lost three wickets in the Power Surge in a 6-18 collapse to finish on 9-160.

Perry followed up her 81 off 38 balls in the Sixers’ maiden win over the Melbourne Renegades with 54 off 28 balls, hitting some sumptuous off-side hits in her 11 boundaries.

Scottish batter Sarah Bryce (62 off 44) shared 80 partnerships with Perry and 53 with impressive debutant Elsa Hunter (28 off 22).

With 14 needed for the final over, the Wellington (2-36) bowler struck twice and conceded just two runs, becoming only the third bowler to take 150 WBBL wickets.

Pacer Megan Schutt (2-28) and spinner Anesu Mushangwe (3-27) tore through the middle and lower order as Adelaide recovered from several earlier dropped catches, including a chance to remove Perry early.

“Good job from our bowlers, there was a bit of pressure on Perry, what class,” Wellington said.

“But once again our composure really helped us tonight.”

Fast Darcy Brown (2-25) claimed the vital wicket of Perry as the Strikers claimed their eighth win in their last nine matches over the Sixers, who have lost seven of their last eight matches in North Sydney.

Perry (2-21) also made an impact on the ball, striking out Talia McGrath with a sharp pitch and then making a sharp return catch to throw out another key batter, Laura Wolvaardt.

Veteran all-rounder Perry and left-arm quick Lauren Cheatle (3-35) were the first to make inroads for the Strikers.

Spinner Ashley Gardner (4-32) ended the Strikers’ innings with three wickets and four balls in the final over.

Weber WBBL|10 standings