Key match-ups, analysis, form, team news, weather forecast, tickets, TV and streaming information, odds, predictions and more ahead of the latest encounter in the 2022 Weber BBL
Perth Scorchers take on Sydney Sixers in match 31 of the WBBL; the eighth edition of the tournament.
The game is scheduled to start at 1.25pm local time (5.25am BST) on Saturday, November 5.
The Lilac Hill Park in Perth is set to stage this match.
The Sixers have lost just one of their seven matches this year. Charlotte Edwards' side can credit much of their success to their bowlers' ability to take regular wickets. Sophie Ecclestone has taken 13 at an impressive economy of 5.59 and Ash Gardner and Maitlan Brown both have 12 apiece. Lauren Cheatle also found some form against Sydney Thunder, taking 3 for 21, making their bowling attack a force to be reckoned with.
Their batters have been equally destructive this year. Erin Burn has looked dangerous, averaging 45.75 at an eye-catching strike rate of 156.41 and the Sixers' top order in Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy and Suzie Bates have consistently got off to good starts.
Having started where they left off last year, Perth Scorchers find themselves third in the table. Their bowling attack of Marizanne Kapp in the powerplay and Alana King and Lilly Mills in the middle overs has worked well this term. King in particular has been economical and taken wickets at crucial times.
The Scorchers' batting has only been under pressure on a few occasions, thanks to the work of their bowlers limiting the opposition's scores. Beth Mooney has played some well at the top and Kapp has scored quickly in the middle order, but Perth’s batting form is a slight concern. Captain Sophie Devine will be keen to find some form at the top as she has struggled to make an impact with the bat.
Ashleigh Gardner (Mark Evans/Getty Images)
The last time the two sides met was last year when Perth Scorchers won with 17 balls remaining thanks to an unbeaten half-century from Chloe Piparo.
The Scorchers' strength has been their bowling attack this year, but the Sixers have been superb with the bat. It will be an interesting match-up watching the quality of King bowl to the likes of Healy, Bates, Gardner and Burns. Burns in particular looks to attack from the first ball but will have to be wary of the Australian legspinner possesses.
The Scorchers’ batters, whilst not out of form, are not in flying form and will have a challenge in facing Sophie Ecclestone. If they can see her out, they could choose other Sixers bowlers to attack.
The weather is forecasted to rain with temperatures around 11 degrees Celsius.
Charlie Bekker, Maddy Darke, Holly Ferling and Georgia Wyllie are among the Scorchers squad but are expected to be overlooked.
Jade Allen and Hannah Trethewy are part of the Sixers squad waiting for their first appearance of the campaign.
Perth Scorchers: Mathilda Carmichael, Piepa Cleary, Sophie Devine (c), Maddy Green, Marizanne Kapp, Alana King, Lilly Mills, Beth Mooney, Taneale Peschel, Chloe Piparo, Holly Ferling, Amy Edgar, Maddy Darke, Georgia Wyllie, Charis Bekker
Sydney Sixers: Jade Allen, Suzie Bates, Nicole Bolton, Maitlan Brown, Erin Burns, Lauren Cheatle, Sophie Ecclestone, Ash Gardner (vc), Angie Genford, Alyssa Healy, Ellyse Perry (c), Kate Peterson, Hannah Trethewy
Marizanne Kapp (Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Perth Scorchers: Sophie Devine (c), Beth Mooney, Maddy Green, Chloe Piparo, Marizanne Kapp, Mathilda Carmichael, Amy Edgar, Alana King, Piepa Cleary, Lilly Mills, Taneale Peschel
Sydney Sixers: Alyssa Healy, Suzie Bates, Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, Erin Burns, Maitlan Brown, Nicole Bolton, Sophie Ecclestone, Ange Genford, Lauren Cheatle, Kate Peterson
The bookies have this match too close to call, with both teams at 10/11 to win.
Whilst this is a close one to call, the Sixers look the more complete side. The Scorchers' batting may let them down and could prove to be the difference.
Tickets for entry at the Lilac Hill Park are free of charge
Sky Sports holds the UK rights for the WBBL. This game will be shown on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event.
In Australia, fans will be able to watch all 59 matches in the WBBL live and free on either the Seven Network or cricket.com.au
A total of 24 games will be televised on free-to-air on Seven and simulcast on Foxtel and Kayo, while the remaining 35 games will be shown on Foxtel and Kayo Sports and also live-streamed for free on cricket.com.au.
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