Women’s Big Bash League 2022/23

Watch: Brilliant Sophie Ecclestone runs out striker with bullet throw from bowling end in WBBL

by Wisden Staff October 17, 2022 - 7:34am 2 minute read

Watch: At the 2022/23 Women’s Big Bash League, Sophie Ecclestone ran out Tess Flintoff off her own bowling in spectacular fashion.

Asked to bat first at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay, the Sydney Sixers scored 147-6, largely due to Alyssa Healy’s 32-ball 43 at the top of the order. At one point the Sixers seemed set for a score around 160, but they were pulled back by some excellent death bowling from the Melbourne Stars bowlers.

In response, the Stars openers, Lauren Winfield-Hill and Bess Heath, added 50 in seven overs. Ecclestone broke the stand herself by bowling compatriot Winfield-Hill. The wicket triggered a collapse, and the Stars quickly slipped to 74-4. Kim Garth and Nicole Faltum added 24, but the asking rate kept mounting.

By the time Ecclestone began the 17th over, the Sixers had all but sealed the match. The Stars needed 49 in four overs, but all Tess Flintoff could do was to play out the first two balls before getting two runs off the third.

Flintoff stepped out to the fourth ball, but did not manage to time her shot. Ecclestone fielded the ball off her own bowling, noticed Flintoff outside the crease, and threw down the stumps at the striker’s end with a direct throw. Flintoff turned around and had tried to ground her bat, but Healy, who had the best view from behind the stumps, broke into instantaneous celebrations.

M Mellifont and Sue Redfern, the on-field umpires, referred the decision to television umpire Claire Polosak. Replays revealed that Ecclestone’s throw had indeed beaten Flintoff’s efforts.

The Stars never recovered. They finished on 120-9 after Maitlan Brown (3-25) struck thrice in four balls in the last over. Ash Gardner was named Player of the Match for her 24 runs, figures of 4-0-19-2, and two catches.

With three wins in three matches, the Sixers sit at the top of the points table. Having lost both their matches, the Stars are seventh, ahead of Sydney Thunder in net run rate.