Match Recap: Sixers defeat Renegades

Match in a tweet: Healy sizzles with the bat and Aley stars with the ball as the Sixers pummel the Renegades 

The score: Sydney Sixers 5-158 (Healy 84) defeated Melbourne Renegades 9-123 (Aley 3-14) by 35 runs.

The hero: Given the task of leading the Sixers in Ellyse Perry’s absence, Alyssa Healy thrived in her new role by pummelling the Renegades to all corners of North Sydney Oval. Healy was at her majestic best, hitting the ball long, hard and straight on her way to 84 from 56 balls. The wicketkeeper-batter was sensational as she tonked 11 fours and an enormous six to put the Sixers in complete command. 

The support cast: How good is Sarah Aley going at the moment. Given the responsibility of opening the bowling, Aley sliced through the top-order of the Renegades to finish with figures of 3-14 from four overs. Aley first dismissed the in-from Rachael Priest for a duck before knocking over both Danni Wyatt (11) and Kris Britt (5) in space of six balls. 

The consolation act: Molly Strano ended her WBBL|02 campaign on high by picking up another two wickets to take her tally to 21. The off-spinner joined Sarah Aley as the only bowlers to snare more than 20 wickets this season. Strano was outstanding again by knocking over Healy (84) and also having Angela Reakes (3) caught trying to slog one out of the ground.  

The catch: Natalie Plane took one of the catches of the season displaying brilliant athleticism along with some fancy footwork. Fielding at long-on, Plane caught the high ball but just as it looked like she might step over the rope, she flung the ball back into the field of play, gathered her balance and then grabbed in one hand. 

The next stop: The Sixers now march into the semi-finals next week in red hot form while the season is now officially over for the Renegades.