Gades chase down Sixers

Set an imposing 167 runs for victory, the Gades got home with five balls to spare thanks to brilliant batting displays from Lizelle Lee (79 runs off 45 balls) and Courtney Webb (46 runs off 28 balls), who earlier took one of the best catches of the season.

Lizelle steals the show
We all knew what Lizelle Lee was capable of, having seen her destroy bowling attacks for years at the Melbourne Stars.

But after Saturday night’s performance against the Sixers, we can officially say she’s done it as a Renegade.

Lee turned in her best match of the season so far, flaying the Sydney attack to all corners of North Sydney Oval and occasionally beyond.

Her 79 runs were scored from 45 balls, with nine fours and four sixes along the way. It is the highest score by any Renegade in WBBL|06 and is the sixth highest of any player across the competition this year.

Lee’s task was not an easy one at the outset. Facing an attack led by Ellyse Perry and Marizanne Kapp, Lee was leading a chase of 167 after the Sixers’ openers had helped themselves to an opening stand worth 104.

She also lost several allies early, including Sophie Molineux (4 runs off 9 deliveries), Josie Dooley (5 off 7) and Amy Satterthwaite (17 off 17), before finding a steady partner in Courtney Webb.

Webb’s wonderful season continues, having now scored 232 runs from 11 starts with four not outs, and twice guiding the Gades to victory (or a Super Over) in a tight run chase.

The catch of the season?
Was this diving effort from Courtney Webb the best we’ve seen in the WBBL this season?

If you ask us, it’s yes. Definitely yes.

With the Sixers on a roll, flying at 1-105 in the 13th over, Ellyse Perry swung hard at a Molly Strano offie.

It miscued and sailed miles into the night air, fizzing over the offside field.

Webb tracked it, circled it and finally pounced on it – literally.

She threw herself into a full body dive, catching the ball on the stretch mid-air before landing smoothly and holding onto the prize safely.

It was one heck of a catch. It was one heck of a moment.

And it meant both openers were dismissed in the space of three balls.

If catches really do win matches, it’s players like Courtney Webb who bring the cliché to life.

A winning side is settled side
It’s reasonable to suggest the Renegades have now settled on a line up they’re happy with.

After all, the Gades have fielded the exact same XI in each of their past four WBBL games since fast bowler Lea Tahuhu returned from injury.

And why not? The team has won three of those four matches.

What comes next?
The Renegades will be looking to finish their campaign on a high when they meet the Brisbane Heat at Drummoyne Oval on Sunday at 1.45pm (AEDT). The match will be broadcast live on Kayo Sports and cricket.com.au.