Superstar Ellyse Perry laid the foundation for 15-year-old debutant Caoimhe Bray to complete the job in Sydney Sixers’ three-wicket win over Melbourne Renegades.
Perry led the Sixers to the third-most successful run chase in WBBL history with an incredible 81 off 38 balls at Adelaide Oval on Sunday night.
The Sixers were chasing the Renegades’ 8 for 178, but lost 5 for 26 after Perry was dismissed.
But Bray, who only turned 15 last month and is in Year 9, combined with Sarah Bryce (36*) to help the Sixers home with six goals to spare.
“It’s pretty cool,” Bray told the Seven Network.
“I didn’t expect it to go so well.
“It’s literally a dream.
“She (Perry) gave me my cap before the game and I cried a little bit, maybe more than a little bit.”
Perry, who is 19 years older than Bray, was impressed with what the boy did in his debut.
“For a 15-year-old to hit the ball through extra cover to win the game is amazing,” Perry told the Seven Network.
“She also bowled really well. She is truly a special child.”
Bray smashed the ball over the cover for four to give the Sixers a win in their first game of the tournament.
Heath wins the final rematch
Earlier, Brisbane turned the tables on Adelaide, winning a rematch of last year’s WBBL final by four wickets.
In the first game of the 10th edition of the WBBL, the Heat suffered some nervy moments in the chase at the Adelaide Oval before reaching the Strikers 5 for 133 with 12 balls to spare.
Charlie Knott (44 not out) proved a steady hand for Brisbane as they lost 3 for 9 as they approached the target.
Australian star Megan Schutt claimed two quick wickets to give Adelaide a sniff of a surprise win.
But Knott, 21, clinched the win, storming in twice to be named man of the match.
Adelaide, trying to win a third straight title, never got off to a good start with the bat on their home ground despite an unbeaten 51 from captain Talia McGrath.
In her first game for the Heat, Indian quick Shikha Pandey took 2 for 14 in four overs, including the key wicket of Strikers opener Laura Woolwardt.
In the last match of the day, Perth were able to beat the Melbourne Stars by 109 points to claim a 13-run victory.
AAP