In the T20 Spring Challenge 2025-26 grand finale, defending champions Hobart Hurricanes Women showcased an impressive all-round performance, defeating Brisbane Heat Women by a whopping 88 runs to retain the title. After winning the toss and opting to bowl, the Heat soon found themselves on the back foot, unable to chase down the Hurricanes’ commanding total.
Batting first, the Hurricanes got off to a sensational start. Openers Lizelle Lee (26 off 15) and Ruth Johnston (18) got off to a promising start, sharing a 33-run opening wicket stand. Captain Elyse Villani then built on the foundation, smashing a dazzling 61 runs off 29 balls, hitting nine fours and two sixes for a striking rate of over 210. Her innings truly formed the backbone of the team’s attack.
Villani efforts were well matched by Nicola Carey, who contributed with a steady 34 off 33 balls, hitting five fours, and the duo shared an 89-run stand to not let momentum swing. Rachel Trenaman, 16* runs off 12 and Tabatha Saville, 26* runs off 15 balls, with quick cameos helped Hurricanes to reach a strong target. These partnerships helped propel the Hurricanes to a formidable total of 193 for 4 in their 20 overs.
The Heat’s bowlers had their moments but struggled to apply consistent pressure. Notable performances came from Charli Knott took 1 wicket for 32 runs in 4 overs; Sianna Ginger also took 1 wicket for 43 in 4 overs, and Lucy Hamilton took 1 wicket for 32 runs in 3 overs, but overall, they conceded too many runs, particularly against the Hurricanes’ big hitters.
When it was time for the Heat to chase, they quickly found themselves in trouble. Charli Knott departed early for 10 runs from 8 balls, after opener Lucinda Bourke fell for 1, reduced to 11/2 chasing 194. Georgia Wareham’s early dismissal for 7 added to Heat’s worries as they were collapsing at 23/3. Siana Ginger’s 20 runs from 19 balls and Annie O’Neil 12 runs from 19 balls, briefly helped stabilize the innings.
After their dismissal the Heat were 5 down for 80 in the 11th over, and only other meaningful contribution came from Nicola Hancock, who scored 27 runs off 27 balls. Their tailenders were dismissed cheaply and from 80/5 were bundled out for 105, as the Hurricanes secured a commanding 88-run win.
The Hurricanes excelled with the ball with standout performances from Molly Strano 2 wickets for 16 runs in 3 overs, Hayley Silver-holmes took 2 wickets for 26 runs in 4 overs, and Callie Wilson, who struck 3 wickets for just 15 runs in her 4 overs. Nicola Carey also got a success with Lucinda Bourke’s wicket.
The Hurricanes were dominant in every aspect of the game, batting, bowling, and fielding. Their explosive batting in the top order, combined with solid middle-order support, created a substantial total. Their bowlers backed up the batting effort with disciplined and aggressive spells.
Despite some individual efforts from the Heat players, the Hurricanes simply outplayed them in the final. This comprehensive performance reflects the depth and execution that characterised their season in the T20 Spring Challenge.
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