Now Reading: Coyte’s Last-Ball Boundary Hands Sixers Thrilling WBBL Opener Win Over Heat
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Coyte’s Last-Ball Boundary Hands Sixers Thrilling WBBL Opener Win Over Heat
Sydney Sixers opened their WBBL 2026 campaign with a thriller at Allan Border Field, beating Brisbane Heat by four wickets on the very last ball. Sarah Coyte found the boundary when it mattered most, and Heat’s winless run now stretches beyond 700 days.
A Last-Ball Finish to Kick Off WBBL|12
The opening fixture of the 13th edition of the Women’s Big Bash League went right down to the wire in Brisbane on Friday, October 30. Sixers chased down 157 in exactly 20 overs, finishing on 157 for 6.
Coyte’s boundary off the final delivery settled it. For Brisbane Heat, it was another heartbreaking near miss in a long search for a win.
Match Snapshot
| Team | Score | Overs |
|---|---|---|
| Brisbane Heat | 154/5 | 20 |
| Sydney Sixers | 157/6 | 20 |
Result: Sydney Sixers won by four wickets.
How Brisbane Heat Built Their Total
Heat were put on a competitive footing by a productive middle-order partnership. Georgia Redmayne anchored the innings while Charli Knott provided the acceleration.
Knott struck 57, including five fours and three sixes, eight boundaries in all. Heat reached 1 for 117 by the 15th over, giving the home side real momentum heading into the back end.
Gardner Keeps the Sixers in It
Ashleigh Gardner was the pick of the Sixers’ bowlers with figures of 2 for 25. Her control helped limit Heat to 154 for 5, a total that looked competitive but proved not quite enough.
Perry Anchors a Tense Chase
Ellyse Perry was the cornerstone of the reply, hitting 58 and steering the Sixers to 1 for 103 at one stage. Sophia Dunkley supported her with 37, keeping the chase on course.
Knott then added a bowling contribution to her batting, taking 2 for 25 to drag Heat back into the contest. Momentum swung, and the pressure started to build.
The Equation Tightens
Alice Capsey made 21 before the required rate climbed. At one point the Sixers needed 36 off 10 balls, and then 18 off 8, with the match hanging in the balance.
Every delivery in the closing stages carried weight. The contest stayed alive until the final ball, when Coyte delivered the winning boundary.
Why This Result Hurts Heat
The defeat pushed Brisbane Heat’s winless streak in the Women’s Big Bash League beyond 700 days. That run reaches back well before the start of the 2026-27 season.
Knott’s 57 and a total of 154 for 5 were not enough to defend. A strong foundation from Perry and Dunkley gave the Sixers just enough control, even as the finish got nervy.
Key Performers
| Player | Team | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Charli Knott | Brisbane Heat | 57 (5 fours, 3 sixes) and 2 for 25 |
| Ashleigh Gardner | Sydney Sixers | 2 for 25 |
| Ellyse Perry | Sydney Sixers | 58 |
| Sophia Dunkley | Sydney Sixers | 37 |
| Alice Capsey | Sydney Sixers | 21 |
| Sarah Coyte | Sydney Sixers | Winning boundary off the last ball |
What It Means Going Forward
For the Sixers, a last-ball win is the perfect way to begin the season. They showed composure under pressure when the equation was at its tightest.
For Heat, the positives are clear: Knott was impressive with both bat and ball, and the team pushed the opener to the final delivery. Still, the wait for a WBBL victory goes on, and the pressure will only build as the season unfolds.
