A diabolical batting collapse has resulted in the Brisbane Heat losing third spot on the WBBL ladder during a hard-fought nine-run loss to the Sydney Sixers at the SCG.
The Sixers were inspired on Thursday by Alyssa Healy's stunning return to form and Dane van Niekerk's all-round brilliance.
In an entertaining clash, Healy's spectacular season-best 70 underpinned the Sixers' imposing 5-160. The Heat had looked well on track to reel in the target while gun opener Beth Mooney was firing.
The WBBL's leading run-scorer, Mooney (60) combined with captain Kirby Short (35) for a rapid-fire 94 runs for the opening wicket. Short's exit sparked a calamitous 10-57 collapse for Brisbane to be skittled for 151.
The Heat lost 7-25 from their last 25 deliveries. Three wickets fell in three balls - including a run-out - in the last over from Sarah Aley (3-31).
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Earlier, the belligerent Healy dominated an 84-run opening-wicket partnership with Ellyse Perry before falling to an excellent Jess Jonassen catch at point.
Healy's departure brought player-of-the-match van Niekerk to the middle and the South African skipper provided the late fireworks.
Her unbeaten 44 off just 23 deliveries included five fours and a six which she followed up with a fine spell of 2-28, including the key scalp of Mooney.
Spinners Jemma Barsby (2-19) and Grace Harris (2-22) were the pick of the Heat bowlers who, otherwise, were dealt with harshly by Healy and van Niekerk. This dominance ultimately proved the difference and allowed the Sixers to leapfrog Brisbane into third spot.
