An outstanding display of legspin bowling from Dane van Niekerk to go with Ellyse Perry's solo hand with the bat have propelled the Sydney Sixers to a convincing 36-run WBBL win over the Melbourne Renegades.
South Africa captain van Niekerk, the leading WBBL wicket-taker this summer, snared 4-13, bamboozling the Renegades who were skittled for just 92 in response the Sixers' 7-128 in the Melbourne suburb of Camberwell.
Van Niekerk had terrific support from countrywoman Marizanne Kapp (2-13) and accurate seamer Sarah Aley (2-12) who combined to apply the breaks to the Renegades' chase.
Coming in with the hosts reeling at 2-8 after the first eight balls, No.3 Jess Duffin fought hard for her 35 but she was denied strike for prolonged periods while watching the carnage unfold at the other end on a slowish deck.
Player-of-the-match Perry was the only batter to truly master the conditions, single-handedly holding the Sixers' innings together with a fine 64.
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The skipper's 56-ball knock, which included three sixes, was the clear standout and steered the visitors to a competitive total.
Unlike their rusty batting, the Renegades' fielding was sharp and their bowling was impressive.
The best with the ball was Kiwi Hayley Jensen who snared a season-best 2-13 including the big scalp of Perry, who holed out to Molly Strano at long off in the penultimate over.
