Cricket

Ellyse Perry, the Australian all-rounder, has once again demonstrated her exceptional character both on and off the field. During the ongoing Women's Big Bash League (WBBL), Perry took time out of her busy schedule to make a young fan's day.The heartwarming moment occurred when Perry, who plays for the Sydney Sixers, noticed a young fan wearing a shirt with her name and number. Instead of simply acknowledging the fan, Perry approached the child and engaged in a playful interaction.Perry began by bowling a couple of under-arm balls to the young fan, who eagerly held the bat. The fan's excitement was evident as they swung at the balls with enthusiasm. Perry then gave the fan a high-five, further cementing the special moment.The interaction culminated in Perry taking the fan into her arms, creating a lasting memory for the young cricket enthusiast. The wholesome moment was witnessed by several people, including many young children who were inspired by Perry's kindness and humility.Perry's gesture highlights her dedication to connecting with her fans and promoting the sport of cricket. As one of the most popular female cricketers in the world, Perry understands the importance of inspiring young athletes and fostering a love for the game.Beyond her on-field accomplishments, Perry is also a multi-talented sportsperson. She has represented Australia in both cricket and football, showcasing her exceptional athleticism and versatility. Perry's achievements in both sports have made her a role model for young girls and women around the world.Currently, Perry is the top run-scorer of WBBL 2024, having slammed 315 runs in six games at a strike-rate of more than 150. Her impressive performance has helped the Sydney Sixers remain competitive in the league, despite their current position outside the top four.Perry's contributions to cricket and her unwavering commitment to inspiring young athletes make her a true ambassador for the sport. Her actions both on and off the field serve as a reminder of the power of sports to bring people together and create lasting memories.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) women's team is gearing up for the upcoming Women's Premier League (WPL) season three auction by planning a series of camps for its players. The team has retained 14 players, including six overseas stars, ahead of the auction, which is expected to take place in December.RCB assistant head coach Malolan Rangarajan revealed the team's plans in a statement. "We will have a couple of camps for our players and players of interest," Rangarajan said. "This will help us create a shortlist of players for the auction and identify our targets and backups."The retention list includes captain Smriti Mandhana, star batter Ellyse Perry, and wicket-keeper Richa Ghosh, who were key contributors to RCB's championship victory in the inaugural WPL season. Rangarajan emphasized the importance of retaining the team's core values and the players who have proven their worth on and off the field."We have thought really hard about how we wanted to recruit in the last auction and we brought in a couple of players with experience," Rangarajan added. "That has held together and given us a good core to go forward with."RCB emerged as the champions of the WPL 2024, defeating Delhi Capitals by eight wickets in the final. The team's retained players include:* Asha Shobana* Dani Wyatt* Ekta Bisht* Ellyse Perry* Georgia Wareham* Kanika Ahuja* Kate Cross* Renuka Singh* Richa Ghosh* S. Meghana* Shreyanka Patil* Smriti Mandhana* Sophie Devine* Sophie MolineuxRCB has released five players: Disha Kasat, Indrani Roy, Shraddha Pokarkar, Shubha Satheesh, and Simran Bahadur. The team is confident that the upcoming camps and the auction will help them build a strong squad for the upcoming WPL season.

Sydney Sixers' Amelia Kerr and Ellyse Perry orchestrated a remarkable six-run victory over Melbourne Stars in a thrilling WBBL encounter at Junction Oval.Kerr, making her Sixers debut after recovering from a quad injury, played a pivotal role in the chase, scoring an unbeaten 46 from 41 deliveries. Her innings included five boundaries, providing crucial momentum for the Sixers. Perry, the Australian captain, remained unbeaten on 48 from 44 balls, hitting six boundaries to guide her team to victory.The Sixers' chase began with a setback as Kim Garth dismissed Sarah Bryce in the second over. However, Kerr's arrival at the crease sparked a resurgence. She formed a formidable partnership with Perry, taking the game away from the Stars.Kerr's all-round brilliance extended to the bowling department, where she claimed two wickets. She dismissed Stars' top-scorer Annabel Sutherland in the final over and also accounted for Tess Flintoff two balls later.English spinner Sophie Ecclestone was the standout performer for the Sixers with the ball, claiming 3 for 19 from four overs. Her economical spell played a significant role in restricting the Stars' total.The result leaves both Melbourne teams with losses heading into their Saturday derby at Junction Oval, while the Sixers improve to a 3-2 record.

Sydney Sixers continued their dominance over Hobart Hurricanes in the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL), securing a six-run victory in Hobart on Saturday. Sixers captain Ellyse Perry starred with a magnificent 86 off 62 deliveries, leading her team to a competitive total of 155 for 7.Perry's innings was a masterclass in power-hitting, featuring 11 fours and two sixes. She received support from Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Elyse Villani, Chloe Tryon, and Lauren Smith, who all contributed valuable cameos.Hobart Hurricanes' chase began promisingly with Lizelle Lee hitting a boundary off the first ball. However, her dismissal the following delivery set the tone for a challenging innings. Despite a solid start, the Hurricanes lost wickets at crucial intervals, including those of Australian representatives Nicola Carey and Heather Graham.Villani's four boundaries in the power surge overs kept the Hurricanes in contention, but her dismissal and the subsequent loss of Tryon and Molly Strano to the impressive Caoimhe Bray proved decisive.Bray, a talented 15-year-old schoolgirl, played a pivotal role for the Sixers, capturing the key wickets of Carey and Tryon. English spinner Sophie Ecclestone was another standout performer, showcasing her exceptional skills in defending the total.Perry's match-winning knock extended her impressive form in the WBBL, with the all-rounder now boasting an aggregate of 252 runs from four innings. The victory marked the Sixers' 19th win in 21 encounters against the Hurricanes, who have now lost seven straight matches to the Sydney team.

Adelaide Strikers emerged victorious in their WBBL title defense opener, defeating Sydney Sixers by 11 runs at North Sydney Oval. The match was marred by a frightening incident involving Strikers wicketkeeper Bridget Patterson, who was struck in the face by a 119kph delivery.Patterson's injury occurred in the fourth over of the Sixers' chase, when a ball from Darcie Brown kicked up and hit her near the right eye. She was immediately attended to by medical staff and was able to walk off the field after a few minutes. Patterson remained at the ground for the rest of the game and will undergo further assessment.Despite the setback, the Strikers' middle order rallied to post a competitive total of 171. Patterson, Orla Prendergast, and Amanda-Jade Wellington combined for 123 runs off 92 balls, with Wellington particularly impressive, hitting two sixes and three fours in her 40-run knock.In reply, Ellyse Perry dominated the early stages of the chase with a 26-ball fifty, while Sarah Bryce impressed with 62 off 44 balls. However, after Bryce's dismissal, the Sixers innings collapsed, losing six wickets for just 18 runs.Legspinners Wellington and Anesu Mushangwe were instrumental in the Strikers' victory, bowling superbly in the closing overs. Mushangwe finished with figures of 3-27, while Wellington took 2-29.

Caoimhe Bray, the 15-year-old all-rounder, has made a remarkable debut for the Sydney Sixers in the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL), becoming the youngest player in the competition's history. Despite comparisons to Australian legend Ellyse Perry, Bray remains unfazed and embraces the opportunity to learn from her idol.Bray's journey to the WBBL has been meteoric. As an eight-year-old, she played for her Under-11 club cricket team. Last season, she amassed 955 runs in the NSW Under-18 Brewer Shield and led her team to the title. Her all-round performance in a tri-series against New Zealand earned her a spot in the Australia Under-19 squad.In the WBBL Spring Challenge, Bray impressed with her pace bowling, clocking 112kph. Her five wickets in four games, including the dismissal of Laura Harris, caught the attention of the Sixers.On Sunday, Bray made her WBBL debut against the Adelaide Strikers. She claimed the wicket of Deandra Dottin and hit the winning runs, guiding the Sixers to victory. Despite her nerves, Bray remained composed and focused on her own game."I don't think it's anything like scary or overwhelming being compared to her [Ellyse Perry] because she's such a great person," Bray said. "I just love that people are even saying it."Bray's dual-sport career includes representing the Junior Matildas in football. Despite her WBBL contract, she intends to continue playing both sports for as long as possible.Bray's rapid rise has been a testament to her talent and dedication. Her ability to bowl at high speeds and her all-round skills have made her a valuable asset to the Sixers. As she continues to develop, Bray has the potential to become one of the most exciting players in Australian cricket.

Australia's hopes of retaining their T20 World Cup title hinge on the fitness of captain Alyssa Healy, who is battling a foot injury ahead of their semi-final clash against South Africa. Healy sustained the injury during Australia's victory over Pakistan and has been using crutches and a moon boot since.Despite her absence from training, Australia remains optimistic about Healy's availability for the crucial match. "We're going to give her every opportunity and possibility of playing tomorrow night," said Ellyse Perry, who deputized as captain in Healy's absence.Perry emphasized the importance of Healy's leadership and the team's unwavering support for her. "Midge is such an important leader in our group and is still contributing just as much," she said.Australia's preparations for the semi-final were tested in their final group-stage match against India, which was played in front of a hostile pro-India crowd in Sharjah. Perry believes the experience will serve them well in the knockout stages."It was a situation we've been in before but probably hadn't been exposed to in this World Cup so far," she said. "I thought the way we rose to that and just adapted to the challenge was awesome."South Africa, meanwhile, are buoyed by their recent victory over Australia in a T20I in Canberra. Captain Laura Wolvaardt believes that win has instilled confidence in her team."It brings back a little bit of déjà vu, just a year ago having to face them in the final," Wolvaardt said. "A lot has happened since then, though obviously we had the two wins against them earlier this year, so I think that just gives a bit of a positive energy in the camp."South Africa has also grown as a team since their World Cup final defeat last year, with the addition of allrounder Annerie Dercksen and the experience gained through a challenging year."It's been a bit of an up and down year for us," Wolvaardt said. "But I feel like we have really hit our stride in this World Cup."The semi-final between Australia and South Africa promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams determined to reach the final. Healy's fitness will be a key factor, but Australia will be confident in their ability to overcome adversity and defend their title.

The Australian women's cricket team has established an unparalleled dominance in the Women's T20 World Cup, capturing the coveted trophy six times out of the seven tournaments held since 2010. Their remarkable success has cemented their status as the undisputed queens of the shortest format of the game.The inaugural Women's T20 World Cup in 2009 saw England emerge victorious. However, it was in 2010 that Australia's reign began, with a dramatic victory over New Zealand in the final. The match was poised on a knife's edge when New Zealand's Sophie Devine threatened to snatch victory with a flurry of boundaries.With just five runs needed off the final delivery, Ellyse Perry, a young all-rounder, stepped up to bowl. Devine connected with a powerful shot, but Perry, with her exceptional athleticism, deflected the ball with her boot towards mid-on. New Zealand's hopes were dashed as they fell short by four runs, handing Australia their first T20 World Cup title.Perry's heroics extended beyond the final, as she emerged as Australia's leading wicket-taker in the tournament. Her all-round brilliance earned her the 'Player of the Match' award in the final.In 2012, Australia successfully defended their title, defeating England in the final. They repeated their triumph in 2014, overcoming the West Indies in a thrilling encounter. The 2016 tournament saw a brief interruption in Australia's dominance, as the West Indies emerged victorious on home soil. However, Australia reclaimed the trophy in 2018 and 2020, extending their reign to six titles.The Australian women's team's success in the T20 World Cup is a testament to their exceptional talent, teamwork, and unwavering determination. They have set a benchmark for excellence in women's cricket, inspiring generations of young players around the world.

Birmingham Phoenix's inspired bowling performance propelled them to a thrilling nine-run victory over Welsh Fire, keeping their hopes alive in The Hundred. Skipper Ellyse Perry orchestrated the triumph, claiming two crucial wickets in succession to stifle the Fire's chase.Phoenix's innings was anchored by Sterre Kalis, who overcame a cautious start to smash eight boundaries and reach her maiden half-century in the tournament. Despite Hayley Matthews's economical off-spin, Phoenix's total of 121 proved sufficient on a turning pitch.Welsh Fire's pursuit began promisingly, with Matthews and Jess Jonassen forging a 46-run partnership. However, Hannah Baker's leg-spin proved decisive, dismissing Jonassen and Georgia Elwiss in quick succession. Katie Levick then claimed the crucial wicket of Matthews, leaving the Fire needing 14 runs from the final set.Emily Arlott's composed bowling sealed the victory for Phoenix, restricting the Fire to 112 for 8. Perry's early wickets, coupled with the spinners' suffocating control, proved too much for the Fire to overcome.Kalis, named the Meerkat Match Hero, expressed her delight at her contribution and the team's resilience. "I'm really happy with the opportunity to go in up top," she said. "Credit to Pez [Perry] early on and then the spinners. It wasn't the highest total to defend, but the bowlers did an amazing job to restrict them."With two games remaining, Phoenix remains in contention for a playoff spot. Their victory over Welsh Fire has injected fresh momentum into their campaign, showcasing their ability to overcome adversity and perform under pressure.