Sydney Sixers all-rounder Maitlan Brown and Adelaide Strikers batter Maddie Penna have been jointly crowned the 2025–26 T20 Spring Challenge Player of the Tournament after a series of consistent and match-winning performances that set the tone for an exciting start to the domestic season.
Brown, the Sixers’ pace spearhead and powerful lower-order batter, played a vital role across all phases of the competition. The 28-year-old from Taree began the campaign impressively, recording figures of 1/23 with the ball and an unbeaten 26 with the bat to guide her side past the Hobart Hurricanes.
She continued her strong form with valuable all-round contributions scoring 18 off 15 and taking 3/27, followed by another composed 18 not out and 3/34 against the Perth Scorchers and Sydney Thunder respectively. Her performances under pressure highlighted her growing reputation as one of the most dependable seam-bowling all-rounders in the domestic game.
Congratulating Brown, Sixers General Manager Rachael Haynes praised her season’s impact by stating “We are pleased with our WBBL team form early and we are looking forward to building strongly into the season, especially as our international stars return to the fold.
“Maito (Maitlan Brown) is definitely a player to watch this season – and our fans can catch the whole team in action at our first home fixture at North Sydney Oval on November 20!”
While Brown excelled with her versatility, Adelaide Strikers’ Maddie Penna made the tournament her own with the bat. The 25-year-old right hander from Bankstown finished as the top run-scorer, amassing 229 runs while being dismissed just once in four innings. Her batting was highlighted by a blistering century against the Sydney Thunder, the only century this season alongside unbeaten knocks of 55 and 48 that helped the Strikers dominate their opposition. Her consistency and composure cemented her standing as one of the rising batting forces in Australian women’s cricket.
The joint award recognizes two contrasting but equally impactful campaigns. Brown’s steady all-round brilliance that anchored the Sixers’ performances, and Penna’s commanding form that powered the Strikers’ batting unit. With both players set to feature prominently in the upcoming WBBL season, fans can expect their rivalry and mutual respect to add an intriguing subplot to the calendar.v
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