A record-breaking night from Australian superstar Ash Gardner has sunk the Hobart Hurricanes in their second WBBL|12 match of the season in Sydney.
The star all-rounder produced one of the greatest innings in Big Bash history at Drummoyne Oval, plundering a breathtaking 124 from just 60 balls as the Sydney Sixers recovered from a disastrous start to post 8-196.
The defending champions were never seriously in the hunt in reply, bowled out for 109 to suffer a 87-run defeat and slip to 0-2 to begin their title defence.
Joining forces with Alice Capsey (54 not out) with the hosts reeling at 3-6 in the third over, Gardner blasted 10 boundaries and nine sixes to completely turn the match on its head.
It was her second WBBL century and the fourth-highest individual score in the competition's history, while the pair's remarkable 176-run partnership was a Big Bash record for the fourth wicket and the second-highest stand for any wicket.
It was an extraordinary counterattack after West Indian recruit Chinelle Henry (2-8) had ripped through Sydney's top order, removing Sophia Dunkley and Melie Kerr in her opening two overs.
Hurricanes skipper Nicola Carey (3-31) also struck early, claiming the prized scalp of Ellyse Perry to leave the Sixers in all sorts of trouble.
Gardner and Capsey initially set about repairing the damage, rotating the strike and picking off singles before unleashing a stunning display of power hitting that left the Hurricanes attack with few answers.
When Gardner finally departed after skying Heather Graham to deep mid-wicket, it triggered a late collapse of 5-7 in just 11 deliveries as Hobart fought back to keep the target below 200.
However, any hopes of a successful run chase quickly faded as Sydney youngster Caoimhe Bray (2-14) delivered four consecutive overs of outstanding control to strangle the Hurricanes' top order.
Gardner's incredible evening then continued with the ball, removing dangerous duo Lizelle Lee and Carey in her opening over to effectively extinguish Hobart's hopes.
Some late resistance from Henry (32 from 20 balls) and New Zealand recruit Maddy Green (42 not out), added a measure of respectability to the Hurricanes' total, but the result was never seriously in doubt.
Gardner capped her remarkable all-round performance with figures of 3-23 while Henry's contributions with bat and ball were a rare bright spot for the visitors.
Carey also had reason to celebrate a personal milestone despite the disappointing result, becoming just the sixth player to claim 150 wickets in WBBL history.
The Hurricanes will return to Hobart on Monday to prepare for their first home match of the campaign on Wednesday night, desperate to get some momentum into the season.