Sydney Sixers re-sign Sophia Dunkley for WBBL|12

Sophia Dunkley (Photo Source: Ayush Kumar/Getty Images)

Sydney Sixers have re-signed England batter Sophia Dunkley on a one-year deal for WBBL|12, the club confirmed on September 3, 2026. Dunkley returns to the Magenta after a productive debut season with the Sixers in WBBL|11, where she scored 354 runs to finish as the club’s second-leading run-scorer behind Ellyse Perry and helped guide the side to the finals.

Dunkley has also been in strong form on the international stage in 2026. She played three matches at the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, accumulating 120 runs at an average of 60.00 and a strike rate of 139.53. Her highest score of the tournament was 57 off 37 balls against Scotland, a knock that earned her the Player of the Match award.

Earlier in 2026, Dunkley represented Trent Rockets in The Hundred alongside fellow Sixers player Ashleigh Gardner. She became the competition’s all-time leading run-scorer during the tournament and helped Trent Rockets claim the 2026 Hundred title. Dunkley, who made her England debut in 2018, expressed her enthusiasm for the return.

“I loved my time with the Sixers last season and I’m so excited to be back. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed by the players, coaches and fans. I absolutely loved my time with the club, last year and can’t wait to be back playing with the girls at North Sydney,” said Dunkley to Sydney Sixers.

What did Sydney Sixers management say about Dunkley’s return?

Sydney Sixers General Manager Rachael Haynes welcomed the re-signing, pointing to Dunkley’s consistent performances at the highest level as a key factor in the club’s decision to bring her back for another season. The Sixers also noted the broader impact Dunkley had within the squad during her first season.

“Sophia is an experienced international player who continues to perform on the biggest stages, and we’re delighted she’ll be back in Magenta this summer. Sophia made an immediate impact last season, adding quality to our batting line-up and quickly becoming a valued member of the group on and off-the-field,” said Dunkley.

The Sixers will be led on the coaching front by newly appointed Head Coach Peter Clarke for WBBL|12. The squad announced by the club as of September 3, 2026 includes Maitlan Brown, Caoimhe Bray, Lauren Cheatle, Sophia Dunkley (overseas), Ashleigh Gardner, Elsa Hunter, Amelia Kerr (overseas), Ellyse Perry and Courtney Sippel.

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