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Match Report:

Scorecard

Gardner smashes Sixers to victory

Ashleigh Gardner returned to form in fine style as the Sixers pulled off a big chase in a rain-affected WBBL clash in Hobart

Ashleigh Gardner has hit a blistering half-century to lift the Sydney Sixers to a famous seven-wicket win over the Hobart Hurricanes in a rain-affected Rebel WBBL encounter at Bellerive Oval.

The home side were sent in to bat under leaden skies and had reached 4-112 when rain forced the players from the field. They returned to face one final over, with Heather Knight and Sasha Moloney adding another 21 runs to lift their total to 5-133.

Gardner smashes match-winning knock

In reply, the Sixers were set a revised target of 152 from 15 overs and reached 3-155 with two balls to spare.

Set a mammoth 10 runs an over, the Sixers were in trouble early with opener Alyssa Healy dismissed in the first over for eight.

Burns heats up Hobart

The in-form Ellyse Perry soon followed for 10 in a rare failure for the Sixers' skipper.

But Australian international Gardner found form at the perfect moment after a lean early run in the tournament, scoring a whirlwind 79 not out off just 50 balls, including three sixes, in an impressive display of clean hitting.

Knight stars with the bat in Hobart

She joined with Erin Burns (43 off 20 balls), putting on 88 in an extraordinary 41-ball partnership.

Earlier, Hurricanes import Knight was in top form, clubbing 51 not out off 35 balls as the Hurricanes impressed under lights against the reigning champions.

The win keeps the Sixers at the top of the table alongside local rivals the Sydney Thunder. The teams will meet again on Sunday at the same venue.