Brisbane Heat triumphed over Sydney Sixers by five wickets in Match 40 of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2024. The game at Brisbane’s Allan Border Field showcased intense performances, with Jess Jonassen delivering a match-winning all-round effort to clinch the Player of the Match award.

Sydney Sixers sets a target of 141

Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Brisbane Heat’s disciplined bowling restricted Sydney Sixers for 140 all out in 20 overs. Lucy Hamilton and Jess Jonassen spearheaded the bowling attack, claiming three wickets each.

Ellyse Perry anchored the Sixers’ innings with a steady 33 off 34 balls, while Amelia Kerr top-scored with an elegant 41 off 37, including four boundaries. A late flourish from Sarah Bryce, who smashed a brisk 28 off 19 with a six and four fours, added some vital runs to the total. However, the Heat bowlers ensured wickets fell at regular intervals, stifling the Sixers’ momentum.

Lucy Hamilton was particularly impressive with figures of 3 for 21 in her four overs, complemented by Jonassen’s 3 for 26. Nicola Hancock also chipped in with two crucial wickets, further denting the Sixers’ progress.

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Brisbane Heat chase with precision

Chasing 141, Brisbane Heat had a shaky start as they lost Grace Harris for a cheap score of 6. However, Georgia Redmayne steadied the innings with a composed 25 off 29, laying the foundation for the middle order to capitalize. The star of the chase was Jonassen, whose brilliant batting performance shone through as she scored an unbeaten 39 off 29 balls, smashing 4 fours and a six.

Jemimah Rodrigues provided a vital boost with a blistering 39 off 22, laced with five fours and a six, while Laura Harris added a quickfire 12 off 5, including a six, to finish the game in style. Brisbane Heat reached the target comfortably in 17 overs, showcasing a dominant batting performance.

Despite the loss, Amelia Kerr and Caoimhe Bray stood out with the ball for Sydney Sixers, claiming two wickets apiece. Kerr’s crafty spin yielded 2 for 30 in 4 overs, while Bray took 2 for 38. However, the lack of consistent breakthroughs meant the Sixers couldn’t defend their total.

Key takeaways

• Jess Jonassen’s all-round heroics: With three wickets and an unbeaten 39, Jonassen was instrumental in Brisbane’s victory.
• Disciplined bowling attack: Brisbane’s bowlers, led by Hamilton and Jonassen, executed their plans perfectly to restrict a strong Sixers line-up.
• Rodrigues’ sparkling ;nock: Jemimah’s aggressive batting set the tone for a successful chase.

With this win, Brisbane Heat finished at the second position in the points table and also ended Sydney Sixers hopes of reaching the WBBL|10 finals.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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