Ellyse Perry’s sensational 111 powered Sydney Sixers to a thrilling one-run victory over Adelaide Strikers, securing their first finals appearance in three years.
Batting first at North Sydney Oval, Perry smashed 16 fours and 3 sixes in her 71-ball innings, forming a 141-run opening stand with Sophia Dunkley (54) to set a competitive total of 173 for 4. A few scares didn’t faze her, with overstepping and near-stump dismissals failing to halt her charge.
Adelaide fought back fiercely, led by Bridget Patterson’s explosive 35-ball 65*, leaving the contest on a knife-edge. With three runs needed for victory off the final delivery, Sophie Ecclestone’s attempt for a second run saw her run out, handing the Sixers a dramatic win.
Eleanor Larosa starred with the ball for the Sixers, taking 4-20, including the crucial wicket of Perry in the final over. Ashleigh Gardner and Alyssa Healy also contributed in the death overs to defend the total.
The Sixers now await the winner of the Knockout final between Perth Scorchers and Melbourne Stars, with a showdown against Hobart Hurricanes at Bellerive Oval set for Saturday. Perry’s Player-of-the-Match century will be remembered as the defining performance that carried Sydney into the WBBL finals.
