Sydney Smash WBBL: SCG match hoping to break Thunder v Sixers record

Some of the biggest stars in the WBBL have taken to the roof of the SCG in their push to attract a record crowd to their Stadium Series blockbuster. WATCH THE VIDEO.

There’s a sense of deja vu sneaking in at the Sydney Thunder.

Following a WBBL08 campaign that ended with just one victory to their name, the team in Electric Green got off to a hot start with seven wins in their first eight matches this season.

They have been riding high off the performances of Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu and the blistering power of young gun Phoebe Litchfield, who continues to reach new heights in her game.

And with England skipper Heather Knight in charge, it’s hard not to draw similarities to the 2020 season where they came away with the title.

“There are certainly a few parallels,” Knight said.

“We started the season well, the last couple of games we’ve probably had a bit of a blip, which in a 14-game season you always have.

“It’s been about fun. Lisa (Keightley) and I are generally quite relaxed as a coach and captain partnership and like the girls to be the same.

“I’ve watched from a distance over the last two years. They’ve found it tough, but it feels like a really good vibe this year. I don’t think anyone expected us to be in the mixer at this stage.”

Knight was a part of the Thunder side that won the title in WBBL06. Picture: Phil Hillyard

The Thunder’s finals charge could come down to the last regular season game at the SCG next Sunday and a battle against their great rivals, the Sixers.

It’s the first time the competition is returning to the venue since 2018, where the Sixers played two games as curtain-raisers to the men’s side.

The Sydney Smash will be the second match of a double-header at the famous ground as the WBBL completes its Stadium Series.

Officials are hopeful that the clash, as well as the Hurricanes-Strikers one before it, will attract a new record for the highest WBBL crowd, beating out the 15,511 that attended the 2021 final at Optus Stadium.

“I’ve never played here internationally, but played here years ago the first time I came over to Australia to play domestic cricket,” Knight said.

“I think when you go to another country you want to play at the iconic venues and the SCG is certainly one of those.”

Fans will be treated to an interactive Bluey experience in between the games before being allowed on the field for a performance from Yung Franco in the afternoon.

However, they will also get to watch two Sydney sides fighting for their season with everything to play for.

The Sydney Smash is shaping up as an elimination final with both sides needing a win to make the finals. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Sitting in fifth with two games remaining, the Sixers would likely need a win at the SCG to potentially leapfrog the Thunder into the finals.

“I played here once for the Renegades against the Sixers and I actually hit a six once,” Sixers’ all-rounder Maitlan Brown said. “I still claim that.

“It was special to be able to play at the SCG then. To be able to get back here, I hope stadium games are something we can do more of in the future because I think we deserve it.

“There are a few teams in the hunt for finals, it will make the next few games really interesting.

“And it could mean the last tussle between the two Sydney teams is fighting it out for the last finals spot on the ladder, which will be an added extra to that game.”

Originally published as Sydney Smash WBBL: SCG match hoping to break Thunder v Sixers record