Hat-trick, nail-biter, massive win headline second weekend of WBBL

A hat-trick, a nail-biter and a big win - the second weekend of the ongoing fifth edition of the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) had it all as Adelaide Strikers, Sydney Sixers, Perth Scorchers and Sydney Thunder registered victories over Hobart Hurricanes, Melbourne Stars, Brisbane Heat and Melbourne Renegades on Saturday (October 26).

In a low-scoring affair between Strikers and Hurricanes at Allan Border Field, a stunning catch by Katie Mack on the penultimate ball off Sophie Devine changed the fortunes of Strikers. After being put in to bat, Strikers lost their top-order cheaply. Lauren Winfield, who joined the team as a replacement player for Stafanie Taylor, rebuilt the innings. Winfield (23) and Sarah Coyte (24) dragged the scoreboard to post 113 for the loss of eight wickets. In reply, the bowling unit of Strikers took wickets at regular intervals before Mack's heroics denied Hurricanes from making it three wins in a row.

Marizanne Kapp became the second player from Sixers in the history of WBBL to take a hat-trick, the first being Dane van Niekerk, at Hurstville Oval in 2017. The South African duo ran through the Stars line-up to restrict the latter at a mere 107 for the loss of nine wickets. Their compatriot in green, Mignon du Preez's 44 was the only decent score in Stars' innings. In reply, Sixers' top-order secured a comfortable eight-wicket win. Their skipper Ellyse Perry remained unbeaten on 39.

In another match at Allan Border Field, Scorchers opened their account as they defeated defending champions Heat by nine wickets. Riding on the back of Beth Mooney's brilliant form, Heat posted 146 for the loss of seven wickets. Mooney (67) and Maddy Green (34) combined to stitch a 70-run stand, which turned out to be the backbone of Heat's innings. In reply, Scorchers' skipper Meg Lanning and Amy Jones formed a 129-run partnership for the opening wicket to place their side well. Lanning (56) fell soon after her fifty and England duo Jones (60*) and Natalie Sciver (12*) got Scorchers over the line.

The day started with a nail-biter and ended on the same note as Thunder beat Renegades at Blacktown International Sportspark. Thunder's top-order was kept silent as Sophie Molineux and Maitlan Brown bagged three wickets each to restrict Thunder at 132 for the loss of eight wickets. While chasing a moderate target, Renegades suffered an early wobble before their skipper Jess Duffin rebuilt the innings. However, Rene Farrell turned the tables and dismissed Duffin for 69 and eventually the side fell short by three runs.

Brief scores:

Adelaide Strikers 113/8 in 20 overs (Sarah Coyte 24, Lauren Winfield 23, Maisy Gibson 2-15) beat Hobart Hurricanes 110/7 in 20 overs (Nicola Carey 39, Erin Fazackerley 20, Amanda Wellington 2-18) by three runs.

Melbourne Stars 107/9 in 20 overs (Mignon du Preez 44, Elyse Villani 14, Marizanne Kapp 3-16) lost to Sydney Sixers 108/2 in 17.1 overs (Ellyse Perry 39*, Ashleigh Gardner 32, Nicola Hancock 1-19) by eight wickets.

Brisbane Heat 146/7 in 20 overs (Beth Mooney 67, Maddy Green 34, Jemma Barsby 2-19) lost to Perth Scorchers 147/1 in 18.2 overs (Amy Jones 60*, Meg Lanning 56, Georgia Prestwidge 1-15) by nine wickets.

Sydney Thunder 132/8 in 20 overs (Rachael Haynes 36, Naomi Stalenberg 21, Maitlan Brown 3-22) beat Melbourne Renegades 129/8 in 20 overs (Jess Duffin 69, Courtney Webb 32, Shabnim Ismail 3-14) by three runs.