The stage is set at Cricket Central in Sydney for a blockbuster finale as New South Wales Breakers and Queensland Fire face off for Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) 2025-26.
New South Wales has been the runaway train of the season, dropping only a single game out of twelve to finish comfortably at the top of the ladder. Queensland’s path was more of a scrap; they had to navigate a mid-season slump and fend off a late surge from Western Australia, eventually securing their spot in the final with eight wins.
While the Breakers carry the momentum of a dominant league stage, the Fire have shown a grit for winning the tight contests, making this a repeat of last year’s final that feels just as unpredictable.
The individual battles within this contest are fascinating, starting with the redemption story of Katie Mack. After over a decade in the league, the newly crowned Player of the Tournament is finally playing in her first WNCL final, and she’ll be desperate to convert her consistent form into a match-winning century.
On the other side, Lauren Cheatle has been a revelation as captain, leading the wicket-taking charts with 26 scalps and forming a lethal new-ball partnership that consistently blows teams away in the powerplay. With the Breakers looking to defend their title and veterans like Alyssa Healy aiming for a fairytale finish, the stakes couldn’t be higher for tomorrow’s showdown in Sydney.
Retiring champion Alyssa Healy will take the field in her final match for the Breakers, aiming to secure her 11th WNCL title. NSW has also received a boost with the availability of Tahlia Wilson, who has been named in the new Australian ODI squad and will feature in the final before departing for the Caribbean to join the national team.
Squads:
Queensland Fire
Annie O’Neil, Laura Harris, Lucy Bourke, Charli Knott, Lucy Hamilton, Sianna Ginger, Georgia Redmayne, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Mikayla Wrigley, Bonnie Berry, Jess Jonassen, Lily Bassingthwaighte, Nicola Hancock
New South Wales Breakers
Anika Learoyd, Claire Moore, Elsa Hunter, Frankie Nicklin, Katie Mack, Phoebe Litchfield, Tara French, Ash Gardner, Caoimhe Bray, Ellyse Perry, Erin Burns, Alyssa Healy, Kate Pelle, Tahlia Wilson, Hannah Darlington, Jade Allen, Lauren Cheatle, Maitlan Brown, Samantha Bates, Sarah Coyte, Sienne Eve
Officials: Eloise Sheridan and Ben Treloar (standing), Troy Penman (third), Sharad Patel (fourth), Janine Stainer (match referee).
Where to Watch: Women’s National Cricket League – Final
Date – March 21, 2026 (Saturday)
Time – 4:30 AM IST
Venue – Cricket Central, Sydney
Broadcast & Live Streaming Details:
Australia – cricket.com.au, CA Live app, Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports
India – FanCode
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