England batters Nat Sciver-Brunt and Danni Wyatt-Hodge hit half-centuries to help Hobart Hurricanes secure a seven-wicket win over Perth Scorchers and reclaim top spot in the Women’s Big Bash League.
Chasing 187 for victory, Sciver-Brunt and Wyatt-Hodge combined for a superb partnership of 135 after the early dismissal of opener Lizelle Lee.
England captain Sciver-Brunt fell for 81 off 48 balls late on and Wyatt-Hodge was dismissed for 55 off 38 shortly after.
But Nicola Carey and Hurricanes captain Elyse Villani steered their side home with five balls to spare.
The Scorchers posted 186-5 at Ninja Stadium in Hobart, with Australia star Beth Mooney hitting 75 off 55, while England pair Freya Kemp (34 off 22) and Paige Scholfield (26 not out off 13) boosted the visitors’ total.
But an excellent chase by the Hurricanes ensured they again top the eight-team league by one point over Melbourne Stars.
The Stars had overtaken Hobart earlier in the day following a comprehensive 45-run win over the Renegades in the Melbourne derby.
The Stars posted 160-5 thanks to former Australia captain Meg Lanning’s unbeaten 73 off 58 and England wicketkeeper Amy Jones adding 43 off 33.
Defending champions the Renegades could not get going in the chase, collapsing to 115 all out in 16.3 overs, with leg-spinner Maisy Gibson taking 3-17.