Sixers Clinch Finals Berth After Perry’s Career-Best Hundred in Nail-Biting Finish

Sydney Sixers sealed their first WBBL finals appearance in three years with a dramatic one-run victory over Adelaide Strikers at North Sydney Oval, a match that went down to the very last ball. Ellyse Perry was the star of the day, producing the highest score of her WBBL career to steer the Sixers into second place on the ladder.

Batting first in the virtual eliminator, Perry powered the Sixers to 173 for 4 with a stunning 111 off 71 balls, striking three sixes and 16 fours. Partnering with Sophia Dunkley (54), she put on a commanding 141-run opening stand that set the tone for the innings. The Sixers might have pushed even further if not for a brilliant spell from young quick Eleanor Larosa, whose 4 for 20 included the wickets of Dunkley, Perry, Alyssa Healy and Ashleigh Gardner.

Despite the strong total, the Strikers mounted a spirited late charge. Bridget Patterson anchored the chase superbly with an unbeaten 65, receiving vital support from Amanda-Jade Wellington and Annie O'Neil as Adelaide recovered from a sluggish start to require 18 runs from the final over.

Patterson launched into Gardner with two fours and a six in the first three deliveries, keeping the Strikers in the hunt. After taking a single, she handed strike to Wellington, who was bowled, leaving Sophie Ecclestone needing three runs off the final ball to snatch victory. Ecclestone sprinted back for a second run in a desperate bid to force a Super Over, but a sharp throw to Healy ended her innings – and Adelaide’s season.

The win secures the Sixers a home Challenger final, where they will face the winner of Thursday’s Knockout clash between Perth Scorchers and Melbourne Stars. A victory there would send them into the WBBL decider against Hobart Hurricanes at Bellerive Oval on Saturday.

Perry, named Player of the Match, survived two early let-offs – a no-ball after being caught on 65 and a fortunate moment on 91 when the ball deflected onto her stumps without dislodging the bails – before eventually falling in the final over. But her brilliance proved decisive in a match that finished as one of the season’s most dramatic contests.