Sixers pip Strikers for play-offs in one-run thriller

Sydney Sixers won by one run in an extraordinary finale to pip Adelaide Strikers to the last play-off spot in this year's Women's Big Bash play-offs.

After Ellyse Perry's 111 in Sixers' 173-4 and having fallen to 86-5 in the 14th over, Strikers needed 18 from the last six balls with five wickets left in the winner-takes-all match.

Bridget Patterson, who had reached 51 from 31 balls, then began the final over by striking Ash Gardner for two fours and a six to leave four more runs to get from three balls.

Patterson took a bye after missing a reverse sweep next ball but then Amanda-Jade Wellington was bowled for 31 from 20 balls.

That meant England spinner Sophie Ecclestone emerged with three runs to win from the final ball and she was run out coming back for the second, having only managed to knock a full ball to long-on.

The win lifts Sixers to second in the table and sends them straight into the challenger, thus avoiding the knockout which will feature Perth Scorchers and Melbourne Stars.

Strikers would have made the play-offs with a win but finish sixth.

Commentary of all three play-off matches is available on BBC Sounds.