‘No way’: 17yo prodigy stuns with ‘subsequent degree’ catch of season, four-wicket haul
Max Hatzoglou from NewswireNovember 8th, 2026 6:20 pm
An Ash Gardner batting masterclass mixed with a teenager’s epic efficiency within the subject arrange an emphatic win for the Sixers within the Sydney Smash on Sunday.
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In a rain-affected game decreased to 16 overs, Gardner scored the second quickest half century in WBBL historical past to lift the Sixers to 2-162.
Gardner brought up her fifty off 18 deliveries and finished unbeaten on 64 off 25 deliveries in a blistering efficiency at North Sydney Oval.
Younger gun quick bowler Caoimhe Bray then led the charge for the Sixers with the ball, taking 4-28 to assist keep the Thunder to 158.
The Sixers got here away with a nine-run win on DLS methodology and stay unbeaten with a 4-0 begin to the season.
In the meantime, the Thunder endure their second loss of the marketing campaign to go 2-2.
Gardner’s knock could have never took place if it wasn’t for some sensible tactical thinking from coach Peter Clarke and the Sixers determination makers.
When players had to come off for a rain delay after the opening 9 overs, the game was decreased yet once more from a 19-over game all the way down to 16.
So with just seven overs to play, the Sixers decided to retire out Melie Kerr, who was 14 off 17 balls, to bring the big-hitting Gardner to the crease.
And the decision paid off with Gardner hitting 10 boundaries, including 5 sixes in her damaging knock.
Star all-rounder Ellyse Perry additionally played a essential function in lifting the Sixers with an unbeaten 59 from 41 deliveries.
Thunder large hitter Laura Harris gave the Sixers a scare within the run chase with a rapid-fire 35 runs from 10 balls.
Harris struck 4 maximums including a big switch-hit six into her workforce’s dugout a ball after hitting another ball over the boundary.
However the explosive batter’s innings got here to an end after Bray drew a false shot out of her.
The 17-year-old took 4-28, including the massive scalps of Phoebe Litchfield, Georgia Voll, Nadine de Klerk and Harris.
And Bray capped off her magical game with the catch of the season on the boundary line.
Sarah Coyte officially took the catch, but Bray will get credit for remarkably protecting the ball in play.
“No way… Caoimhe Bray is having the day of her life out there,” Jason Richardson declared in commentary.
“She’s an unbelievable athlete but this is subsequent degree,” added Trent Copeland.
Perry was additionally sensational within the subject. Perry landed a big blow when she threw the stumps down from mid-on for a massive run out.
Gardner additionally took two wickets with the ball to cap off a strong efficiency.
The Sixers face the Renegades subsequent in Melbourne on Thursday and the Thunder travel to play Perth Scorchers on Wednesday.
Source: www.foxsports.com.au
