Ellyse Perry delivered a match-winning performance with a confident half-century as the Sydney Sixers edged out Brisbane Heat in a nail-biting last-ball finish at Allan Border Field. Perry’s 58 runs anchored the Sixers’ successful chase of 157, with Alice Capsey’s unbeaten 21 and Sarah Coyte’s final delivery boundary sealing a four-wicket victory and spoiling the Heat’s season opener.
Brisbane Heat appeared to hold control of the match midway through the chase, as bowlers Sianna Ginger and Charlie Knott applied significant pressure following an aggressive Sixers start that saw 53 runs posted in the powerplay. Ginger took two key wickets, removing Sophia Dunkley for 37 and Amelia Kerr for 18, while Sarah Glenn dismissed Ashleigh Gardner cheaply for two. Knott also contributed with the ball, claiming Perry for 58 off 38 balls. However, a dropped catch by Glenn of Capsey on 14 runs in the closing overs proved pivotal.
Capsey remained composed under pressure, guiding the Sixers through the final moments before Coyte struck the winning boundary off the last ball, ensuring the Sixers completed the chase with just one ball remaining.
Earlier, Brisbane Heat had set a competitive target, boosted by a 97-run partnership between Knott, who scored 57 from 47 deliveries, and captain Georgia Redmayne, who contributed 58 off 44 balls. The pair’s efforts repaired early damage after the team found itself at 5-154. Knott’s aggressive approach complemented Redmayne’s steady innings, providing the middle-order stability Heat lacked in previous seasons. Knott further impacted the game with the ball, taking two wickets to remain a key figure throughout the contest.
Perry’s innings was highlighted by a decisive 18-run over off Lucy Hamilton during the 13th over, marking a momentum shift in the Sixers’ favor. Blending strategic lap shots against spinners with powerful boundary hitting, Perry maintained a strike rate of 152, striking seven fours and one six. Her dismissal eventually came when Knott broke through, with debutant Aya Stafford taking the catch.
The Sixers’ disciplined bowling in the final five overs restricted Heat to just 37 runs, ultimately setting up the thrilling finale. The narrow margin of victory underscored the tightly contested nature of the match, with both sides showcasing resilient performances in the season opener.