Perry stars as Sixers take out Smash

Another big innings from Ellyse Perry has led the Sydney Sixers to back-to-back Rebel WBBL victories, setting up a 36-run victory over local rivals the Thunder at North Sydney Oval.

Perry scored an unbeaten 74 from 66 deliveries to set up an imposing total of 4-168, before the Sixers bowlers ensured the Thunder ended up well shy of their target despite a rapid-fire 45 from India star Harmanpreet Kaur.

Batting first, the Sixers lost Alyssa Healy (15) and Ashleigh Gardner (0) early before Perry shared a key partnership with Erin Burns, who struck two sixes on her way to a 22-ball 44.

With help from Dane van Niekerk (14no off 7) they added 45 runs from the final three overs.

Early wickets cost the Thunder in reply and while Kaur looked threatening as she struck three big sixes in her 44, her dismissal in the 16th over – bowled by Lauren Cheatle, her first wicket for the Sixers – doused any hopes of a comeback victory.

Rene Farrell produced some late entertainment in an unorthodox 33no from 20, but it wasn’t enough as the Thunder finished 7-132.

The Thunder have a chance to bounce back on Sunday when they meet Brisbane Heat at the same venue from 2.50pm.