In a rain-affected game reduced to 16 overs, Gardner scored the second fastest half century in WBBL history to lift the Sixers to 2-162.<\/p>\n
Gardner brought up her fifty off 18 deliveries and finished unbeaten on 64 off 25 deliveries in a blistering performance at North Sydney Oval.<\/p>\n
Young gun fast bowler Caoimhe Bray then led the charge for the Sixers with the ball, taking 4-28 to help keep the Thunder to 158. <\/p>\n
The Sixers came away with a nine-run win on DLS method and remain unbeaten with a 4-0 start to the season.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the Thunder suffer their second loss of the campaign to go 2-2.<\/p>\n
![\"Lauren](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/998f794da677867ee44ed7a46014e1f4.jpeg\")
Lauren Cheatle of the Sixers celebrates with Caoimhe Bray of the Sixers after dismissing Jemma Barsby. (Photo by Jason McCawley\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
RETIRED CALL<\/p>\n
Gardner\u2019s knock may have never came about if it wasn\u2019t for some smart tactical thinking from coach Peter Clarke and the Sixers decision makers.<\/p>\n
When players had to come off for a rain delay after the opening nine overs, the game was reduced yet again from a 19-over game down to 16.<\/p>\n
So with just seven overs to play, the Sixers decided to retire out Melie Kerr, who was 14 off 17 balls, to bring the big-hitting Gardner to the crease.<\/p>\n
And the call paid off with Gardner hitting 10 boundaries, including five sixes in her destructive knock.<\/p>\n
Star all-rounder Ellyse Perry also played a critical role in lifting the Sixers with an unbeaten 59 from 41 deliveries.<\/p>\n
BIG HITTING<\/p>\n
Thunder big hitter Laura Harris gave the Sixers a scare in the run chase with a rapid-fire 35 runs from 10 balls.<\/p>\n
Harris struck four maximums including a big switch-hit six into her team\u2019s dugout a ball after hitting another ball over the boundary.<\/p>\n
But the explosive batter\u2019s innings came to an end after Bray drew a false shot out of her.<\/p>\n
BRAY STARS<\/p>\n
The 17-year-old took 4-28, including the huge scalps of Phoebe Litchfield, Georgia Voll, Nadine de Klerk and Harris.<\/p>\n
And Bray capped off her magical game with the catch of the season on the boundary line.<\/p>\n
Sarah Coyte officially took the catch, but Bray will get credit for remarkably keeping the ball in play.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo way… Caoimhe Bray is having the day of her life out there,\u201d Jason Richardson declared in commentary.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe\u2019s an incredible athlete but this is next level,\u201d added Trent Copeland.<\/p>\n
Perry was also sensational in the field. Perry landed a big blow when she threw the stumps down from mid-on for a massive run out.<\/p>\n
Gardner also took two wickets with the ball to cap off a strong performance.<\/p>\n
The Sixers face the Renegades next in Melbourne on Thursday and the Thunder travel to play Perth Scorchers on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
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