WBBL opening match paves way for Scorchers

The opening match of the WBBL at Junction oval has seen the Hurricanes defeated by the Scorchers.

Meg Phillips of the Hurricanes celebrates the wicket of Nicole Bolton of Scorchers. Picture: ROBERT PREZIOSO/GETTY IMAGES

A BRAVE Hobart has gone down to the Perth Scorchers by six wickets in the opening match of the WBBL at Junction Oval.

The Hurricanes — who were already without imports Heather Knight and Smriti Mandhana — lost their third international, Hayley Matthews, before the toss after she suffered a fractured toe at training yesterday.

Sasha Maloney of Hurricanes appeals successfully for the wicket of Heather Graham of Scorchers. Picture: ROBERT PREZIOSO/GETTY IMAGES

Further reviews this morning saw Matthews passed fit about 40 minutes before the start of the match, but despite Perth agreeing to let her play Cricket Australia said she was unable to take her spot in the starting XI.

Emerging talent Erin Fazackerley stepped up in the absence of the star trio, cracking three sixes and four boundaries in a 16-ball 38, and with Georgia Redmayne providing a run a ball 49 the Hurricanes posted 7-143 from their 20 overs.

Belinda Hepburn snared the prized scalp of national captain Meg Lanning (8) cheaply in reply, but fellow Australian star Elyse Villani picked up the slack to send the Scorchers on their way to victory.

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Villani scored 58 from 39 balls, and although she fell to Sasha Moloney with 44 runs still required Lauren Ebsary (40 not out) and Chloe Piparo (26 not out) guided Perth home with three balls spare.