Grace Harris Smashes Record-Breaking Innings in WBBL Victory
In a stunning display of power hitting, Grace Harris of the Brisbane Heat scored an unbeaten 136 off just 59 balls to lead her team to victory over the Perth Scorchers in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL). Harris’s innings broke the previous record for the highest individual score in WBBL history, set by Smriti Mandhana in November 2021.
The Brisbane Heat set a challenging target of 230 for the Perth Scorchers after a dominant batting performance. Harris was the star of the innings, smashing 12 fours and 11 sixes in her record-breaking knock. The right-hander’s powerful hitting was on full display, even shattering her bat while attempting a big hit to long-on. Despite the broken bat, the ball still sailed over the boundary for six.
Harris’s onslaught continued even after changing bats. She reached her half-century in just 24 balls and maintained a blistering scoring rate throughout her innings. In the 14th over, she launched an assault on Piepa Cleary’s bowling, scoring 17 runs including consecutive sixes and a four. Harris reached her century in the 17th over with a boundary, taking only 48 balls to reach the milestone.
Apart from Harris, only Mignon du Preez (39), Bess Heath (16), and Georgia Redmayne (15) managed to reach double figures for the Brisbane Heat. However, Harris’s incredible innings propelled her team to a formidable total.
In their chase, the Perth Scorchers got off to a fast start thanks to Beth Mooney. The opening partnership made 63 runs in less than six overs before Courtney Sippel dismissed Lauren Winfield-Hill for 14. Sippel then wreaked havoc on the Perth line-up, taking three wickets in four balls in the 10th over. She dismissed skipper Sophie Devine (14), Maddie Darke (0), and Mooney (60 off 30) to leave the Scorchers reeling at 4-100.
Sippel finished with impressive figures of 4-27 off her four overs, playing a crucial role in restricting the Scorchers’ chase. Amy Jones contributed 30 off 17 balls in the middle order, but it wasn’t enough to bridge the gap, and the Scorchers fell well short of the target, finishing at 8-179 off their 20 overs.
Harris’s record-breaking innings not only secured a convincing victory for the Brisbane Heat but also etched her name in the WBBL history books. Her unbeaten 136 off 59 balls surpassed Mandhana’s previous record of 114 off 64 balls. The top five highest individual scores in WBBL history now include Harris, Mandhana, Ash Gardner (114 off 52 balls in 2017), Alyssa Healy (112* off 69 balls in 2018), and Alyssa Healy (111 off 52 balls in 2020).
The WBBL continues to showcase the incredible talent and power of women’s cricket. Harris’s remarkable innings is a testament to the skill and ability of female cricketers, breaking barriers and setting new records. As the tournament progresses, fans can expect more thrilling performances and awe-inspiring displays of batting prowess.
In conclusion, Grace Harris’s unbeaten 136 off 59 balls in the WBBL match against the Perth Scorchers will go down as one of the greatest innings in the history of women’s cricket. Her record-breaking knock not only led her team to victory but also showcased the immense talent and power of female cricketers. As the WBBL continues, fans eagerly anticipate more extraordinary performances from these exceptional athletes.