Cricket

Sydney Thunder emerged victorious in the first derby clash of the season, defeating Sydney Sixers by 18 runs at the SCG. The triumph was orchestrated by the impressive performances of Heather Knight and Samantha Bates.Knight, continuing her stellar form, anchored the Thunder's innings with a fluent 50 off 31 deliveries. Her knock, coupled with Chamari Athapaththu's solid foundation, propelled Thunder to a competitive total of 158 for 6.The Thunder's bowling attack proved equally formidable, restricting the Sixers to 140. Bates, in particular, was exceptional, claiming 3-22 and moving to the top of the season's wicket-taking charts. Shabnim Ismail, despite not taking any wickets, played a crucial role with her economical bowling and superb fielding, securing four catches.The Sixers' chase was hampered by a shaky start, with the team losing five wickets for 63 runs in the first 10 overs. Ash Gardner provided a glimmer of hope with a timely return to form, scoring 49. However, her dismissal by Bates with 28 runs required off 14 balls effectively ended the Sixers' hopes.The victory consolidates Thunder's position at the top of the table, while the Sixers remain in the hunt for a top-four finish. With five games remaining, the race for the home grand final intensifies.

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.

Sydney Sixers have received a significant boost with the return of Australian captain Alyssa Healy, who has recovered from the injury that forced her to miss the latter stages of the T20 World Cup. Healy, who suffered a ruptured plantar fascia in her right foot during Australia's match against Pakistan, is now available for the WBBL and will make her comeback in Friday's clash against Melbourne Stars at North Sydney Oval.Healy's return is a major boost for the Sixers, who have struggled in her absence. They lost their opening match of the tournament to defending champions Adelaide Strikers and will be looking to bounce back against the Stars. Healy's experience and leadership will be invaluable to the Sixers, who are aiming to win their third WBBL title.Speaking after Australia's semi-final loss to South Africa, Healy admitted that she had wrestled with the decision over whether to try and play in the World Cup. "It was a really hard decision to make last night as to whether or not we're going to give it a punt or not," she said. "I tried to make the 'team decision' and sat myself down, instead of taking the risk."Healy's return to fitness is a timely boost for the Sixers, who are also missing New Zealand allrounder Amelia Kerr. Kerr is doubtful for the entire competition after picking up an injury in India. However, the Sixers have been impressed by the performances of Scotland's Sarah Bryce, who has been in excellent form with the bat.The Sixers will be hoping that Healy can make a quick return to form and help them challenge for the WBBL title. They have a tough match against the Stars on Friday, but Healy's presence will give them a major boost.

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.

Matthew Mott, the former head coach of the England Men's white-ball team, has joined the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League (BBL) as an assistant coach on a three-year deal. Mott's appointment comes after his departure from the England setup following their semi-final exit at the 2023 T20 World Cup.Mott, who previously coached Australia Women for eight years, will reunite with Greg Shipperd at the Sixers, replacing Cameron White, who was appointed head coach of the Melbourne Renegades earlier this year."I'm delighted to join back up with the Sydney Sixers," Mott said. "Having started my coaching journey in Sydney many years ago, it's a place that evokes both great memories and a comforting sense of familiarity, which I'm looking forward to."Mott's spell as England's white-ball coach began with a triumph at the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, but ended after a disappointing performance at the 2023 ODI World Cup and a semi-final exit at the 2023 T20 World Cup.Prior to his time with England, Mott coached the New South Wales men's side from 2007. His return to the state's system will see him reunite with Rachael Haynes, who was a key member of the Australia Women's team he coached to numerous successes."We couldn't be more pleased to have Motty committed for the next three years with the club," said Haynes, Sixers' general manager. "When the opportunity arises to bring a coach of Motty's calibre into your ranks, it's a no-brainer.""His coaching resume speaks for itself. He has an incredible track-record of success around the world, and he's proven he knows what it takes to build, and sustain, a winning culture."In the recent BBL draft, the Sixers retained James Vince and surprised many by selecting Yorkshire legspinner Jafer Chohan as their last pick. They had previously secured West Indies left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein.

Australian cricket legend Steve Smith has dismissed any thoughts of retirement, despite being overlooked for the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup. The 35-year-old recently signed a three-year deal with the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League (BBL), indicating his continued passion for the game.Smith's decision to join the Sixers suggests he intends to play at least four BBL matches this summer, fitting them in between the final Test against India and the tour of Sri Lanka. Despite his omission from the T20 World Cup squad, Smith remains committed to competing in all formats of cricket."I don't have any plans [to retire], I'm just enjoying playing at the moment," Smith told reporters. "I'm pretty relaxed and I'm looking forward to this summer."Smith's recent performances as an opener for Australia have been mixed. In the home summer against the West Indies and New Zealand, he averaged just 28.25 in eight innings. However, his career average of 56.97 suggests he is still a formidable batsman.The veteran batsman admitted that his teammates prefer him at number four, where he has spent most of his Test career. However, he emphasized that he is willing to bat anywhere for the team."I'm happy wherever and I'll bat anywhere for the team," Smith said. "For me it's just a position."Smith's future role in the Australian Test team remains uncertain. He is expected to play in the upcoming five-Test series against India, but it is unclear whether he will open the batting or return to his preferred position at number four.