Ash Gardner's Sydney Sixers have missed out on a shot at their first WBBL title since the 2017-18 summer; bowing out against a visiting Perth Scorchers.
The Scorchers progress on to Saturday's final against the Hurricanes in Hobart with the 11-run win at North Sydney Oval on Thursday, having survived a third versus fourth placed 'Knockout' against the Stars on Tuesday night.
Posting 8-183, the visitors looked to have left runs out there after a strong start with wickets in hand propelled by Beth Mooney at the top of the order.
Kunja batter Mikayla Hinkley didn't feature on the night, having played five WBBL games for the season with the Scorchers.
Gardner was solid in her contributions despite the result.
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After the Scorchers raced to 65 without loss from their opening seven overs, Katie Mack (40) mistimed one to mid-off for Garnder's first wicket of the night.
The Sixers regathered to stem the flow and avoid a 200-plus chase after the mid-way point of the innings, with the Muruwari allrounder claiming a second and third wicket in the final over.
She removed Australian spin partner Alana King and then Lilly Mills, who skied one throwing the bat late in the piece, ending with team-best figures of 3-25.
Ellyse Perry and Sophia Dunkley got the home side off to a start, moving past 50 unbeaten inside seven overs before a 50-run fourth wicket stand between Gardner and Amelia Kerr.
The Scorchers' King repaid her first innings exit ending Gardner's night.
Gardner had minor struggles working into her innings early on before establishing her innings.
She ended with 26 off 20 balls.
The Sixers weren't able to capitalise on wickets in hand as boundaries dried up, requiring 40 runs from the last three overs and falling short at 6-172.
Earlier on Thursday, Gardner was named in the WBBL 11 team of the tournament.
