WBBL 2023: Team faces five-run penalty as bowler catches the ball with a towel - WATCH

In the 49th match of the Women's Big Bash League 2023, Sydney Sixers were able to defeat Brisbane Heat by six wickets while chasing down a total of 177 runs. Sixers all-rounder Ellyse Perry was adjudged the Player of the Match for her all-round performance. Perry scored 20 crucial runs with the bat and also took a three-wicket haul with the ball. 

3 things you need to know 

• Brisbane Heat suffered their sixth defeat in the WBBL 2023
• Sixers moved to the fifth spot in the WBBL 2023 standings with six wins and seven losses 
• Amelia Kerr was the top run scorer of the Brisbane Heat innings and played a knock of 64 runs 

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Controversial moment enters Heat vs Sixers WBBL match as Brisbane lose 5 runs in penalty

During the second ball of the tenth over of the Sydney Sixers' chase, Sixers batter Ashleigh Gardner played the ball towards the long-on region for a single to Brisbane Heat spinner Amelia Kerr. While the ball was thrown by the fielder towards the non-striker's end, it was found that Amelia Kerr collected the ball with a towel in her hand. Analysing the incident, the on-field umpires awarded five runs extra to Sydney Sixers in response to Brisbane Heat for doing the offence. 

As per the rules of the Marylebone Cricket Club, no fielder except the wicketkeeper is allowed to collect the ball with a glove or a clothing material in their hands. If the fielder wants to protect the hands then they shall take the permission of the umpires. The rule states: 

No fielder other than the wicket-keeper shall be permitted to wear gloves or external leg guards.  In addition, protection for the hand or fingers may be worn only with the consent of the umpires. his/her clothing with his/her hands and uses this to field the ball", then the umpire shall "award 5 Penalty runs to the batting side.

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Perry stars in Sixers' 6-wicket win over Heat 

While bowling first in the Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Sixers WBBL 2023 match, Sixers all-rounder Ellyse Perry took a three-wicket haul and restricted Heat to a fist innings score of 176/7. Opening the innings, the Sixers skipper also scored 20 runs and played an important role in their win.