The Perth Scorchers have made a statement of intent with a stunning nine-wicket WBBL victory over in-form champions the Sydney Sixers in Wollongong.
The Sixers opened their campaign at the weekend with two hefty wins, but the Scorchers made light of the form book on Tuesday to dominate with bat and ball.
Perth eased past the victory target with 10 balls to spare, earning some revenge for a seven-run defeat in last season's final.
Opener Elyse Villani scored an unbeaten 74 from 61 balls, hitting a six to win the match in emphatic fashion as the Scorchers reached 1-123, in reply to the Sixers' 8-122.
Player of the match Villani enjoyed valuable support from Nicole Bolton as the pair made short work of the bowling to put on 106 for the opening wicket.
Batting didn't seem so easy on the North Dalton Park deck for the Sixers who lost their three big-name players at the top of the order with just 47 runs on the board.
Openers Alyssa Healy and Ellyse Perry both fell to smart catches for 15, while recent centurion Ashleigh Gardner made only seven.
Only a quickfire 33 from 25 balls from Erin Burns helped the score past the 100 mark against a disciplined all-round Scorchers bowling effort.
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