Star of the recent women’s World Twenty20, Alyssa Healy has continued her impressive form in the Women’s Big Bash League, smashing an unbeaten 112 off just 69 balls to hand the Sydney Sixers their seventh win of the season and temporarily, top spot, against the Adelaide Sixers on Friday.
Healy and Southern Stars co-star Ellyse Perry showed scant regard for the Strikers’ bowling attack at Hurstville Oval in Sydney, smashing a barrage of fours and occasional sixes as they put on an opening stand of 150 without loss, before Perry was run out for 48 in the 16th over.
It was the third-highest partnership ever in WBBL, as the Sixers piled on the second highest ever team total of 206, with Ashleigh Gardner smashing a quick-fire cameo of 39 not out off just 15 balls, including three sixes.
Healy’s knock was also the second highest ever individual WBBL score, replacing the innings Healy hit against the Strikers during the corresponding fixture last season. That day Healy smashed 106 off 66, hitting thirteen fours and three sixes, here it was almost a carbon copy.
Suzie Bates battled bravely to guide the Strikers in response, but outside of her 46 off 36 balls the wickets continued to tumble too regularly for Adelaide, with Lauren Cheatle taking 3-22, and 15-year-old Hayley Silver-Holmes claiming 2-21. The loss leaves the Strikers in sixth on the table with their top four hopes beginning to fade.
“It was a hot day but I enjoyed my time out there,” Healy said. “To put two good batting performances together this weekend gives me confidence heading into the new year.
“I had two really good partnerships with two quality players.”
It was an inspirational effort after Healy’s grandmother - the mother of legendary former Test wicketkeeper Ian Healy - passed away recently.
