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‘Selfless’: Devine’s rare call hailed as Perth set the pace in WBBL|12

Sophie Devine has hit more sixes than any other player in WBBL history, but made a league-first call that proved the difference against the Thunder…

By Laura Jolly · Cricket Australia

Published: Friday, 6 November 2026 at 7:05 AM

Key Things to Know

Sophie Devine became the first player in WBBL history to tactically retire out during a match.
Perth Scorchers secured a 17-run victory over Sydney Thunder to remain undefeated after three matches.
Devine retired on 42 off 39 balls, allowing Freya Kemp to enter and hit 30 off 10 balls.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Perth Scorchers batter Sophie Devine made WBBL history by becoming the first player in the competition to tactically retire out during Thursday's match against the Sydney Thunder. Devine voluntarily walked off at the end of the 17th over on 42 off 39 balls after struggling for scoring fluency at Drummoyne Oval.

Her replacement, England allrounder Freya Kemp, smashed 30 runs from 10 balls to lift Perth's total as the Scorchers claimed a 17-run win to stay undefeated atop the WBBL|12 standings. Captain Beth Mooney praised Devine's selfless decision, which commentators described as a match-winning masterstroke.

Read the full article on Cricket Australia

‘Selfless’: Devine’s rare call hailed as Perth set the pace in WBBL|12

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