Harris, the dynamic all-rounder, led the charge for Brisbane Heat as she opened the batting against the formidable Perth Scorchers. Her exceptional innings, remaining unbeaten with a score of 136 off a mere 59 deliveries, played a pivotal role in her team’s impressive 50-run victory.
In this extraordinary feat, Harris not only clinched the record for the highest individual score in WBBL history but also set a new benchmark by dispatching a staggering 11 sixes. One of these colossal shots, when she was at 64, resulted in her bat breaking into two pieces, making for a remarkable moment in the match.
Amidst the exhilarating display, a light-hearted exchange occurred as Harris, with a broken bat, was heard saying, “Hey guys, I need a new bat… Broken handle,” in the 14th over, just as Piepa Cleary, the Perth Scorchers’ bowler, prepared to send down the next delivery.
Undeterred by the broken bat, Harris displayed unwavering determination, declaring, “Stuff it, I’ll still hit it!”
With Cleary delivering the next ball, Harris unleashed her power, propelling the ball over long-on for an astounding six that travelled a remarkable 72 metres. The force of the shot snapped the bat at the handle, narrowly missing her batting partner, Bess Heath, stationed at the non-striker’s end.
Reflecting on the extraordinary incident, Harris offered insight, stating, “(The handle) just clicked a little bit, and I didn’t want to be given out caught behind if it clicked as the ball went past and I didn’t hit the ball. But when I faced up, I just thought that it was probably hanging on… When they do get that looser handle, they are at their best, they’re pinging. So I thought, ‘Nah, I’ll still hit it for six, they’ve been going miles today, so I’m going to keep using this bat as long as possible’.”
Grace Harris’s historic performance, including her record-breaking century and the thrilling episode of the broken bat, added a unique and exciting dimension to the WBBL.
(With inputs from Reuters)