In a superbly contested Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) encounter at Hobart’s Bellerive Oval on Friday, 6 February 2026, Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Meteors clinched a dramatic 10-run victory over Tasmania Tigers in the 30th match of the 2025–26 season. A match brimming with aggressive strokeplay, pivotal partnerships and timely breakthroughs saw ACT post a daunting total and then hold their nerve to deny a spirited Tasmanian run-chase.
Having won the toss, Tasmania Tigers elected to field first, a decision that initially looked to hand some advantage to their bowlers under lights but ultimately became a test of stamina as ACT Meteors batters made hay against a varied bowling attack.
The Meteors exploded into life as they amassed a commanding 295/9, setting what turned out to be a challenging target of 286. The innings started with opener Olivia Porter scoring 46(46), the backbone of the total was a powerful knock from Zoe Cooke, who was deservedly named Player of the Match after an entertaining 83 off 78 balls. With composed timing and aggression, Cooke punctuated the innings with timely boundaries and appeared comfortable picking gaps to frustrate the Tasmanian fielders.
Supporting Cooke was another classy effort from Annie Wikman, who contributed a well-crafted 70 (92). Wikman anchored critical middle overs and ensured that the Meteors kept up a competitive scoring rate despite the occasional bowler overheating. Their pair laid the platform upon which the Meteors could accelerate late, kicking off what became one of the highest team totals of the tournament to date.
Tasmania’s attack found occasional successes — most notably Julia Cavanough who finished 4/56, Maisy Gibson, who finished with figures of 2/46 and Callie Wilson who chipped in a wicket as well. However, ACT Meteors always looked in control, even when occasional wickets fell, to set an imposing total.
Chasing 296, Tasmania Tigers began their response with confidence and purely intent. They matched the required rate for long periods and brought hope to a home crowd that had gathered under Bellerive’s floodlights. Standout performances in the chase came from Emma Manix-Geeves, who slammed an outstanding 83 off 60 balls, and Caitlin Mair, whose 52 (69) offered solidity and continuity in the middle overs.
Manix-Geeves was particularly impressive, blending timing with controlled aggression to keep Tasmania right in the contest until deep in the innings. Her late-innings flourish pulled them back from a precarious middle phase and gave real belief that the target was attainable. Mair provided the early platform needed to prevent early panic, fitting nicely alongside Manix-Geeves in a partnership that yielded crucial momentum.
But as the run rate edged higher, the bowling efforts of ACT came to the fore at exactly the right moments. Off-spinner Georgia Elwiss produced a key spell of 3/58, including crucial breakthroughs inside the middle overs that kept Tasmania just behind the rate. Anesu Mushangwe also chipped in with 3/34, striking at vital junctures to halt partnerships and apply scoreboard pressure.
In the end, Tasmania could muster 285/8 from 50 overs, falling agonisingly short despite sheer determination and some fine batting displays. Although they closed within striking distance, ACT’s bowlers did just enough to defend a hefty target and secure a memorable win.
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