Perry shines on opening day of WBBL

Ellyse Perry starred on the opening day of the Women's Big Bash League as Sydney Sixers beat Melbourne Renegades by three wickets.

Perry struck 81 from just 38 balls, including 11 fours and three sixes, as Sixers reached their target of 179 with an over to spare.

The all-rounder was supported by England's Hollie Armitage with 30 from 23 balls at the top of the order while Scotland's Sarah Bryce added an unbeaten 36 from 25.

Perry also took 2-25 as Renegades posted 178-8 with fellow Australian Georgia Wareham top-scoring with 61 from 31 balls. England spinner Sophie Ecclestone chipped in with 2-35.

Elsewhere, defending champions Adelaide Strikers suffered a four-wicket defeat by Brisbane Heat.

The Strikers were restricted to 133-5 from their 20 overs as captain Tahlia McGrath made 51 not out from 41 balls, before Charli Knott's unbeaten 44 from 30 steered Heat over the line with two overs remaining.

Finally, Melbourne Stars slumped to a disappointing defeat as they were bundled out for 109 in 19.2 overs in pursuit of 123 against Perth Scorchers.

Ines McKeon's 50 from 43 balls on her WBBL debut was in vain as Kim Garth's 10 was the Stars' next-highest score. Leg-spinner Alana King taking 3-20 for the Scorchers.

England's Amy Jones earlier made 30 and Australian opener Beth Mooney scored 31 in the Scorchers' 122-8.