Five runs needed off one ball – See this dramatic finish in Women’s Big Bash League

The Women’s Big Bash League semi-final clash between Brisbane Heat and Sydney Thunder at the Drummoyne Oval in Sydney witnessed an absolute thriller with the Heat sealing a tense game in style by four runs. However, the end was dramatic as it went down to the last ball. Brisbane Heat were boosted by an attacking 33 off 26 balls from Sammy Jo-Johnson and a blazing 32 from Laura Harris as they reached 140/7 in 20 overs. In response, Sydney Thunder were boosted by a fine 44 off 33 balls from Rachel Priest and at 57/1 in the seventh over, things were going all well for the Thunder.

Johnson and Haidee Birkett bowled tight lines and the asking rate mounted. However, Alex Blackwell kept the Sydney Thunder in the game with a six and four off Delissa Kimmince but once she fell for 29, Nicola Carey kept their hopes alive by smashing a six off Jemma Barby. With 12 runs needed off the last over bowled by left-arm orthodox bowler Jess Jonassen, Carey smashed a four off the third ball and five runs were needed off the last ball. Jonassen bowled a flighted ball on leg stump and Carey unleashed the slog sweep to deep square leg. The ball was destined to go over the ropes which would have given Sydney Thunder an unbelievable win, but Haidee Birkett dives to her right and took the catch near the boundary to break Sydney Thunder hearts.

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The four-win propelled the Brisbane Heat to their maiden Women’s Big Bash League final where they will meet two-time and defending champions Sydney Sixers, who also faced a dramatic entry into the final after their game against the Melbourne Renegades was tied and it needed super-over heroics from Ellyse Perry to help them get over the line.

Sydney Sixers were boosted by fifties from Ellyse Perry (54*) and Dane van Niekerk (51*)  as they reached 131/4. In response, Melbourne Renegades’ Sophie Molineux smashed 55 off 54 balls and they received a vital contribution from Jessica Duffin as she smashed 41 off 34 balls.  However, with 13 needed off the last over, Molineux smashed a four off Ellyse Perry and with three needed off the last ball, Molineux ran two before she was run-out with the scores level.

UNREAL! Ellyse Perry hits a super-over six to send her team into the #WBBLFinal!

You seriously couldn't write a better script. pic.twitter.com/PKS2BerH9o

— Rebel Women's Big Bash League (@WBBL) January 19, 2019

In the super over, Marizanne Kapp conceded just six runs for the Sydney Sixers and Perry, along with Alyssa Healy got the target in just four balls, with Perry ending the match in style with a big six. Sydney Sixers will be aiming to win the title for the third consecutive time while the Heat will be aiming to break the dominance of the Sydney franchises in the Big Bash League.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Sydney Sixers have won two WBBL titles
• The first title was won by Sydney Thunder
• Brisbane Heat entered the final for first time