The Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) 2025 kicked off on November 9, and in only the third match of the season, Sydney Sixers captain Ashleigh Gardner made history with a spectacular bowling performance.
Sports News: The Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) 2025 began on November 9, and in just the third match of the season, Sydney Sixers captain Ashleigh Gardner grabbed everyone's attention with an outstanding performance. Playing against Perth Scorchers, Gardner delivered lethal bowling, taking 5 wickets and turning the match into a one-sided affair.
With this performance, the best bowling figures in WBBL history for Sydney Sixers were recorded. Ashleigh Gardner's five-wicket haul not only led to a big victory for her team but also set a new record in the league's history.
Ashleigh Gardner's Historic Bowling Spell
Gardner looked in rhythm from the start, consistently bowling with excellent line and length. In the eighth over of the innings, she sent Perth captain Sophie Devine back to the pavilion for just 3 runs. Immediately after, on the very next ball, she dismissed Paige Scholfield for a duck. This over completely changed the course of the match.
She then maintained constant pressure, dismissing Chloe Ainsworth, Alana King, and Lilly Mills to complete her five-wicket haul. She took 5 wickets for just 15 runs in 4 overs — which is the best performance by a Sydney Sixers bowler in WBBL history to date. Thanks to her lethal bowling, the entire Perth Scorchers team was all out for 109 runs in 19.3 overs.
Ellyse Perry's Record Broken
With this brilliant bowling performance, Gardner broke a significant record held by her own team's senior player and Australia's star all-rounder, Ellyse Perry.
- Gardner's performance: 5 wickets for 15 runs (5/15) vs Perth Scorchers, 2025
- Ellyse Perry's previous record: 5 wickets for 22 runs (5/22) vs Melbourne Renegades, 2023
Previously, Perry held the best figures for Sydney Sixers, but now Gardner has surpassed her, creating new history.
Best Bowling Figures for Sydney Sixers in WBBL History
- Ashleigh Gardner – 5/15, vs Perth Scorchers (2025)
- Ellyse Perry – 5/22, vs Melbourne Renegades (2023)
- Sarah Aley – 4/8, vs Hobart Hurricanes (2016)
- Dane van Niekerk – 4/13, vs Melbourne Renegades (2018)
Sydney Sixers' Easy Victory
Perth Scorchers captain Sophie Devine won the toss and chose to bat first, but her team could only manage 109 runs. Mikayla Hinkley top-scored for Perth with 31 runs, while Beth Mooney contributed 20 and Freya Kemp added 16. Sydney Sixers had a brilliant start to their chase. Openers Ellyse Perry and Sophia Dunkley forged an excellent partnership, guiding the team to 112 runs in 12.5 overs without losing any wickets.
- Ellyse Perry: 47 runs off 37 balls (7 fours)
- Sophia Dunkley: 61 runs off 40 balls (8 fours, 2 sixes)
With this victory, Sydney Sixers opened their WBBL 2025 campaign in spectacular fashion and made a b start in the points table. After the match, Ashleigh Gardner said, 'It was a special day. This win was very important for the team. I just focused on my line and length and bowled according to the plan. As a captain, this start will be memorable for me.'
