Perry Stars in Sydney Derby as Sixers Climb Into WBBL Top Four

A brilliant all-round performance from Ellyse Perry has propelled the Sydney Sixers back into the WBBL top four, guiding her side to a crucial derby win over the Sydney Thunder on Sunday.

Chasing 175 for victory, Perry produced a captain’s knock, smashing an unbeaten 77 off 44 balls to seal the win with six wickets in hand and five balls remaining. Her innings, highlighted by towering straight sixes and authoritative stroke play, ensured the Sixers strengthened their push towards the finals.

The defeat virtually extinguishes the Thunder’s hopes of making the playoffs, after a disappointing season yielding just two wins from seven completed matches.

On an important day in the WBBL finals race, the Adelaide Strikers also kept their campaign alive with a tense last-over win against the winless Brisbane Heat. That result leaves the Strikers level on eight points with the Melbourne Renegades and Perth Scorchers, with two matches left for each side. The Sixers sit third, one point ahead, and with a game in hand—setting up a fierce battle among four teams for the final two playoff positions.

Just 10 days ago, the Sixers appeared in disarray after being bowled out for 42 by the second-placed Melbourne Stars, but they have since mounted an impressive resurgence.

Earlier in the derby, the Thunder recovered from 58 for 4 at the halfway mark thanks to Heather Knight’s 65 and Anika Learoyd’s 43, posting a competitive 174 for 6. However, Perry quickly took command of the chase in front of 5024 spectators at North Sydney Oval, launching two massive sixes off Sam Bates, including one landing beside the ground’s iconic Fig Tree.

She also attacked speedster Shabnim Ismail, lofting her over long-on with ease as she anchored the pursuit without ever appearing troubled.

The Sixers’ chase was boosted by Sophia Dunkley’s 44 at the top of the order and a fast-paced 33 from Alyssa Healy, helping set the platform for Perry’s match-winning finish.