WATCH, WBBL | Level-headed Healy and Gardner execute perfect last-ball play in winner-takes-all clash

Today at 4:51 PM

The propagation of franchise leagues has given cricket increasingly rich narratives to indulge in year after year, tournament after tournament. WBBL found itself in a pivotal juncture on Sunday with both Adelaide Strikers and Sydney Sixers vying for qualification, and the output matched the stakes.

Sydney Sixers were ecstatic after trumping Adelaide Strikers in a last-ball thriller in North Sydney to qualify for the WBBL 2025/26 playoffs

The Women's Big Bash League's group stage ended in wild fashion on Sunday, with Hobart Hurricanes, Sydney Sixers, Perth Scorchers, and Melbourne Stars respectively confirmed as the playoff teams. Ahead of the final encounter betweeen the Sixers and Strikers at the North Sydney Oval, the points and net run rate situation meant whoever won the encounter would join the other three in the post-season. The hosts were asked to bat first and rode on the back of Ellyse Perry's 111 in just 71 deliveries to set a target of 174 for the visitors, who were left reeling at 67/3 after 11 overs. However, Bridget Patterson (65 off 35) and Amanda Jade-Wellington (31 off 20) combined for a sensational stand therafter to whittle the equation down to 18 in the final over, to be bowled by Sixers skipper Ashleigh Gardner. Chaos ensued.

Having gone for just 15 in her first three overs, Gardner was slammed for back-to-back fours by Patterson before the wicket-keeper took the aerial route to leave just four required off the last three balls. Nevertheless, Gardner stepped up under pressure like a hardned veteran is expected to and inducd a play and miss. Nevrtheless, the duo managed to sneak a bye, only for Jade-Wellington to hole out off the penultimate delivery to leave new batter Sophie Ecclestone on strike with three to get on the final ball. Former captain Alyssa Healy backed up to ensure the ball did not skip past her by any chance, as Gardner trundled in a delivered a pinpoint wide yorker. A lethargic effort from Ecclestone could only help the ball towards long-on as Patterson sprinted for a double at the other end, and by the time the throw came in at the non-striker's end a sparing dive meant Patterson had made her ground. However, Ecclestone was always lagging, and Gardner had the presence of mind to not attempt a run-out at her end but instead relay the throw to Healy, who calmly took off the bails with the Englishwoman well short of her crease.

Ecstatic scenes followed, as the Sixers qualified for the playoffs for the sixth time in WBBL history.