The Rebel WBBL's leading run-scorers go head to head in a replay of last year's decider
Heat, Sixers set for North Sydney blockbuster
A host of the Rebel WBBL’s most explosive batters will go head to head in a mouth-watering clash at North Sydney Oval on Saturday.
In a replay of last year’s decider, the Sydney Sixers will take on the Brisbane Heat and as ever, the match will have an extra bit of spice, with the Heat on a three-match winning streak against their southern rivals, having taken out their first meeting of the season at the same venue late last month.
The Big Weekend is Adelaide bound this weekend! You'll also be able to catch some cricket in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Launceston. More info: https://t.co/EcMXCrTTOH #WBBL05 pic.twitter.com/L29v0Ffhln— Rebel Women's Big Bash League (@WBBL) November 6, 2019
The Sixers come in hot off one of the most emphatic batting displays seen in WBBL history, after Ellyse Perry and Alyssa Healy smashed 0-199 from 20 overs against the Melbourne Stars last weekend.
Perry is second on the WBBL|05 runs table with 279 at 139.5, while Healy is fourth with 199 at 49.75.
The only player ahead of Perry in the runs tally is Brisbane Heat opener Beth Mooney, who has 346 runs at 86.5 under her belt from six innings, including four half-centuries.
Given North Sydney’s reputation as a high-scoring venue, a run-fest could be on the cards when the first ball is bowled at 3pm AEDT on Saturday.
"Knowing we’re at home on Saturday at our favourite ground, North Sydney Oval, against a really good opposition has got everyone up and about and excited," Healy said.
"Hopefully we can get out there and play like we did last weekend."
Much has been made of the growing rivalry between the teams, but Healy insists it is not a focus for her side.
"(Brisbane) have made a bit more of it than we have in the last 12 to 18 months, it’s not something we’re thinking of too much," she said.
"We’ve just taking each opportunity as we come up against them.
"Playing the Heat twice early on in season is a good thing for us, they’re a good side and the defending champs and for us, it’s probably the right time of the season to test where we’re at."
After an up-down-start to the season that's seen Brisbane register three wins and three losses, Heat bowler Georgia Prestwidge says they will take nothing for granted against the Sixers.
"Cricket is a funny game so anyone is in the mix, but we’re put some good performances together," Prestwidge told cricket.com.au.
"Both teams are just really strong and have a lot of depth so it’ll always be a really close game and a great game to watch as well.
"We always know when we come up against the Sixers we’re going to be in the fight until the end, but that just makes it a spectacle."
Prestwidge admitted she had been watching on in awe through Mooney’s stunning start to the season.
"That girl, she can hit a ball," she said.
"Lucky she’s on my team because I wouldn’t know where to bowl to her.
"She works really hard during the week and before the game so it’s no surprise everything just comes so naturally to her out in the middle."
A live stream of the Sixers v Heat blockbuster will be available on cricket.com.au, the CA Live app, the WBBL Facebook page and Kayo, or tune in on ABC radio.