Sydney Thunder coach Lisa Keightley wants her batters to respond when the team meets Sydney Sixers in the Sydney Smash at North Sydney Oval on Sunday, November 8, with the first ball at 1.40pm AEDT.
The match comes after Thunder's first defeat of Weber WBBL|12, a 17-run loss to Perth Scorchers at Drummoyne Oval. Keightley said the setback could work in her side's favour.
"I think sometimes after a loss it sharpens you up a little bit, the hunger to bounce back will be key for us," Keightley said.
The Sydney Smash headlines a Summer Session double-header at North Sydney Oval, with Perth Scorchers playing Melbourne Stars in the second match of the day. Cricket NSW said a food and beverage festival will run on the hill at the ground for fans attending both games.
Keightley said Sydney Sixers had been competitive in recent matches and singled out all-rounder Ash Gardner as the key threat her bowlers need to deal with early.
"The Sixers are playing pretty well and they've scrapped pretty hard," Keightley said. "Ash Gardner will be key for them so if we can get her early and put them under pressure... I think our batters will bounce back and get us across the line."
Keightley, who re-signed as Thunder's WBBL head coach, is a former Australia Women's cricket representative who has also coached Australia Women and England Women. She said she wanted a strong response from the group after the Scorchers loss.
"What a way to get everyone back up and ready for a fight in the Sydney Smash," Keightley said.
After Sunday's match, Thunder face a run of fixtures across the country. They travel to the WACA Ground to meet Perth Scorchers on November 11, before returning to Drummoyne Oval to face Melbourne Stars on November 16.
Thunder then play Brisbane Heat at Allan Border Field on November 19 and Hobart Hurricanes at NINJA Stadium on November 21. Their WBBL|12 home schedule continues with Adelaide Strikers at North Sydney Oval on November 26, before a return clash with Sydney Sixers at Drummoyne Oval on November 28.
Tickets for the Sydney Smash double-header at North Sydney Oval are available through Ticketek. The first match begins at 1.40pm AEDT on Sunday, November 8.