England captain Heather Knight has starred with bat and ball, helping WBBL ladder-leaders Sydney Thunder defeat Perth Scorchers by 24 runs.
The Thunder, who have banked three wins from as many completed games, and Knight both extended impressive starts to the sixth edition of the WBBL.
Knight (57) and Australia vice-captain Rachael Haynes (61 not out) shared a 108-run partnership at Sydney's Blacktown Oval on Wednesday, shifting momentum while marching their side from 3-22 to a total of 4-144.
Prized recruit Beth Mooney threatened to complete the chaseduring a polished knock of 61, but went down swinging at a full delivery from Sammy-Jo Johnson as the Scorchers were skittled for 120.
Johnson and Knight snared two wickets each, while Sam Bates finished with the remarkably tidy figures of 3-9 from four overs.
However, the highlight of the final innings was arguably Tammy Beaumont's direct hit from the boundary that found Chloe Piparo short of her ground.
Haynes was named player of the match.
The 33-year-old's game-changing stand with Knight came four days after they shared a club-record partnership of 122 runs against Adelaide.
Knight has tallied a league-best 146 runs at 48, while she sits second on the WBBL's wicket-taking leaderboard with six scalps.
The Thunder's campaign continues against Melbourne Renegades on Saturday, when the Scorchers face Melbourne Stars.
Australian Associated Press