The Melbourne Stars have claimed their second win of BBL|08 off the back of Tess Flintoff's record-breaking half-century.
Flintoff - a 19-year-old all-rounder - smashed an unbeaten 51 runs off just 16 balls in a clash against the Adelaide Strikers on Wednesday.
Remarkably, Flintoff had not been required to bat in Melbourne's three previous matches, but that was no barrier for the young star.
MORE: Kohli stars again as India hold off spirited Tigers | What Australia needs to qualify for T20 World Cup semi-finals
Her knock trumped the previous record of 22 balls, which was jointly held by Australian Ashleigh Gardner and South African Lizelle Lee since 2017.
It is also the equal-third fastest half-century across the men's and women's Big Bash competitions.
On top of this, Flintoff fell just one ball short of equalling the fastest fifty in women’s T20 cricket history, which is held by Warwickshire batter Marie Kelly.
THE FASTEST FIFTY IN WBBL HISTORY!
— Weber Women's Big Bash League (@WBBL) November 2, 2022
Tess Flintoff just whacked 51no from 16 balls 😯 #WBBL08 pic.twitter.com/p7UvcT1D64
Bumped up to the fifth spot in the batting order, Flintoff was brought in with less than five overs remaining and the Stars at a total of 115.
Six fours and three sixes later, and her side finished the inning with a commanding 186/5.
Flintoff was not the only star performer for the Stars, with opener Lauren Winfield-Hill (47) and Alice Capsey (49) falling just short of half-centuries.
The Stars' total was ultimately too high for the Strikers, who managed a score of 164/8 after 20 overs.
The result sees Adelaide drop to third on the table, whilst Melbourne moves up to fifth.
The Sydney Sixers remain atop the ladder, having lost just one game this season.
