Harris finishes what Sippel started in Brisbane Heat victory

Brisbane Heat went top of the still early WBBL table with a thumping eight-wicket victory over Hobart Hurricanes led by a fine new-ball spell by the recall Courtney Sippeland a half-century from Grace Harris.

Hurricanes had an added concern when Rachel Priest, who had been cleaned up first ball of the match by a beauty from Sippel, injured her hand keeping early in the chase when trying to take a quick delivery from Tayla Vlaeminck and had to leave the field with Richa Ghosh taking the gloves.

After Sippel had removed Priest with a sharp inswinger, and Mignon du Preez in the first over, Nicola Carey fell to a stunning catch by Laura Kimmince at backward point. Jess Jonassen, who became the second bowler to take 100 WBBL wickets, then began what would be a terrific spell by removing Sasha Moloney to leave Hurricanes 4 for 15 in the fourth over.

The first three powerplays of the double-header day, previously involving Melbourne Stars and Sydney Thunder, would finish reading: 2 for 18, 4 for 13 and 4 for 33

That Hurricanes got as far as 132 was notable. Ruth Johnston anchored the fightback with 47 before Molly Strano hit 33 off 24 balls.

Heat made a strong start to the chase as Harris and Georgia Redmayne added 52 in seven overs but Carey gave Hurricanes some hope when she struck twice in four deliveries.

However, the rest of the innings was marshaled superbly by Harris and Mikayla Hinkley with the pair not letting the asking rate get ahead of them. A 14-run over in the 16th sealed the game and in the 19th Hinkley ended it with a six