Sophie Ecclestone’s 3-18 Helps Sixers Secure Victory Against Stars

England’s Sophie Ecclestone, who has accumulated eight wickets in the 2024 Women’s Big Bash League to date, recorded figures of 3-18, contributing to the Sydney Sixers’ six-run triumph over the Melbourne Stars in a Women’s Big Bash League fixture impacted by rain. Following an initial reduction of the match to 18 overs per side due to inclement weather, the Stars posted a total of 122 runs for seven wickets, with their captain, Annabel Sutherland, leading the scoring with 42 runs from 36 deliveries. In Melbourne, Ecclestone dismissed three key Stars batters: opener Yastika Bhatia, former Australia captain Meg Lanning, and India all-rounder Deepti Sharma. In response, Scotland wicketkeeper Sarah Bryce was out for only one run; however, Australia’s prominent player Ellyse Perry and New Zealand all-rounder Melie Kerr successfully maintained the Sixers’ scoring pace above the target. Perry concluded her innings with an unbeaten 48 runs from 44 balls, while Kerr, playing her first match for the Sixers, scored an undefeated 46 runs from 41 balls. Their performances ensured the visiting team surpassed the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern par score when rain resumed after 15 overs, preventing any additional play.