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It's back! Devine reveals her new challenge

Sophie Devine hit five consecutive sixes on Sunday, but it's her off-field work that will have a long-lasting impact

Adelaide Strikers star Sophie Devine produced the goods on and off the field during a stellar weekend in the Rebel WBBL.

The New Zealand allrounder struck 58 in a losing cause against the Perth Scorchers at Karen Rolton Oval on Saturday, before producing one of the more staggering five balls of madness that will be seen this summer against the Melbourne Stars on Sunday.

Entering the final over of the Strikers innings Devine was on 55 from 51. Returned to the strike for the second ball delivered by Stars leg-spinner Madeline Penna, Devine dispatched a full toss over the boundary.

She then did the same with the four deliveries that followed.

In the blink of an eye, Devine finished unbeaten on 85 from 56 balls.

Devastating Devine smacks five consecutive sixes

Before Sunday, no WBBL player had hit more than three maximums in a row, with Devine's five setting a new standard.

"I was just happy to get the win and put a bit of momentum behind us going into the bowling innings," Devine said after the Strikers wrapped up a 17-run win.

"The way I soaked up that many balls at the start of the innings, I had to do something.

"So I was just happy I could help put the team into a good position."

Image Id: 81B3C83C828A4D97BAB3B170A00C5891 Image Caption: The headband challenge was a hit last summer // Getty

Devine's on-field performances were memorable, but it was her off-field work that will have a long-lasting impact.

On Saturday, Devine revealed the WBBL|05 iteration of her 'headband challenge'.

Image Id: BB6BC48523D749B4BAB16CD716CAF562 Image Caption: Devine shows off her blue zinc // Getty

Last summer, she donned a blue headband each match and challenged her rivals to push the boundaries of cricket fashion (and good taste) by doing the same; donating $100 to the charity of her rivals' choice on each occasion.

Across the course of WBBL|04 her initiative raised more than $15,000 for various charities.

This year, Devine has swapped the headband for zinc, donating $100 to Cancer Council SA on Saturday.


Already, the rest of the Big Bash is embracing the new challenge; on Sunday, Stars players including captain Elyse Villani and imports Lizelle Lee and Mignon du Preez jumped on board with green zinc, raising money for Dolly's Dream.

"I think with the success we had last year raising awareness for a lot of charities and raising money for some really good causes…it was something I wanted to continue," Devine told adelaidestrikers.com.au.

"I think it is really important to use our platform that we have as cricketers to get out there and show everyone that we can have a bit of a laugh and raise awareness for something that matters.

"I'm not afraid to look a bit silly and open myself up to a bit of ridicule if it means it's for a good cause and if we can raise money and shine light on some great charities."


The Stars and Strikers will meet again next Saturday, before Devine sets her sights on the Sydney Thunder ahead of their November 20 clash in Wollongong.