The title win gave the Hobart Hurricanes their first ever Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) title on Saturday. They defeated defending champions Perth Scorchers by eight wickets in a thrilling decider at the iconic North Sydney Oval. This was an enormous win for the Hurricanes! That remarkable season saw them perched atop the league table and into their first ever WBBL final direct.
Lizelle Lee was sensational for the Hurricanes with some dazzling strokeplay. She anchored the battle, unbeaten on 77 runs from only 44 balls. Her innings featured 10 fours and four maximums, serving as a reminder of her destructive batting power. The quest began when Lee joined forces with Danni Wyatt-Hodge to build that foundation.
After the successful bowling effort, the Scorchers batted first, scoring 137 runs. These 17 runs made a huge difference. They left at least five wickets behind in their 20 overs. Sophie Devine was key to their high total, scoring 34 off just 29 balls. Playing two men down, the Hurricanes’ match-winning roster of bowlers never allowed the home side’s batting lineup to find their rhythm. Linsey Smith took 2/8, with Heather Graham taking 2/26 with the ball.
The Hurricanes showed exceptional confidence throughout their run chase, passing the target in only 15 overs. The super reliable Nat Sciver-Brunt pitched in with some big hits of her own, scoring 35 runs from only 27 balls. Nicola Carey then took the reins and hit the winning runs to guide Hobart to victory.
In spite of the result, Devine expressed recognition of the standard of the Hurricanes’ match afterward.
“Full congratulations to the Hurricanes, they absolutely outplayed us.” – Sophie Devine
Hobart Hurricanes captain Elyse Villani couldn’t hide her feelings about the landmark win.
“It feels really magical, a fairytale, I’m really emotional.” – Elyse Villani
With this very unexpected win, the franchise has made history. It’s a great advert for the amazing talent and ability that exists within women’s cricket. The Hobart Hurricanes emerged as the team to beat in what was considered an overall strong roster through and through. They have built a reputation as a destroyer of WBBL hopes.
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