Esha Oza, Natasha Michael and Chaya Mughal had only received the news they would be among the team-mates of Australia’s World Cup winner Ellyse Perry on Friday, but the trio made their presence count in the 38-run win at Sheikh Zayed Stadium.
In a match that also saw them up against their international team-mate Chaitrali Kalgutkar, who featured for Thunder, Sixers reached 158 in their 20 overs.
As Big Bash League champions, Thunder certainly posed a threat boasting a number of internationals including Alex Blackwell and Rachael Haynes.
After a strong start, all-rounder Michael was soon congratulated by the stars after a superb catch at slip to remove Haynes at 28-1.
“You tend to get nervous at times but during the training session we had with them on Saturday, we were told to get in good positions and get ready at all times,” said the 21-year-old, who was proudly wearing her signed Sixers jersey.
“It’s definitely the best moment of my life. Ellyse is one of my idols and to play under her captaincy was an awesome feeling.”
Mughal was on the mark to run-out Mikayla Hinkley for a duck, while spinner Oza also got in the act in her only over, getting the wicket of Belinda Vakarewa (13).
“It’s quite special to get a wicket in this game,” said Oza. “I just kept it straight and thankfully it went straight to the stumps. It was a perfect end to the game.”
Their efforts did not go unnoticed with Perry lauding their efforts.
“It was wonderful to have them in the team and in the dressing room,” she said. “They were very good and performed excellent on the day.”
