The 18th fixture of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2025–26 features an intriguing contest as Brisbane Heat Women face Sydney Thunder Women at Allan Border Field, Brisbane, on November 21, 2025, at 2:40 PM IST. Both teams are searching for rhythm after contrasting starts, determined to boost their standing as the tournament gathers pace.
Sydney Thunder comes in with renewed confidence after registering their first win of the campaign, a dominant nine wicket victory over Perth Scorchers. This crucial win followed a disappointing opening stretch, where the Thunder suffered defeats to Hobart Hurricanes, Melbourne Renegades, and Sydney Sixers. The turnaround has been powered by experienced campaigners and the resurgence of leadership under Phoebe Litchfield.
Brisbane Heat meanwhile are still looking for their breakthrough victory. Three successive losses against Melbourne Renegades, Perth Scorchers, and Hobart Hurricanes have left the Heat under pressure. Despite this, the individual brilliance of their all-rounders and flashes of promise in the top and middle order keep optimism alive. Heat will be hoping to cash in on home conditions and finally kick start their win campaign.
Squads:
Brisbane Heat Women’s Cricket Team
Jess Jonassen (C), Lily Bassingthwaighte, Bonnie Berry, Lucinda Bourke, Nadine de Klerk, Sianna Ginger, Lucy Hamilton, Nicola Hancock, Grace Harris, Chinelle Henry, Charli Knott, Grace Parsons, Annie O’Neil, Georgia Redmayne, Jemimah Rodrigues, Mikayla Wrigley
Sydney Thunder Women’s Cricket Team
Phoebe Litchfield (C), Chamari Athapaththu, Samantha Bates, Ella Briscoe, Hannah Darlington, Sienna Eve, Lucy Finn, Laura Harris, Hasrat Gill, Shabnim Ismail, Heather Knight, Anika Learoyd, Taneale Peschel, Georgia Voll, Tahlia Wilson
Players to watch out:
Grace Harris
An entertainer and explosive all-rounder, Harris has amassed 2,928 runs and 66 wickets in 133 WBBL matches, including best bowling figures of 4/15. Her season highlight includes a strong 46 vs Scorchers. Harris’s combination of boundary hitting and off-spin versatility makes her a pivotal factor for the Heat.
Jess Jonassen
The seasoned captain brings a wealth of experience with 2,277 runs and 181 wickets over 150 matches, highlighted by best figures of 4/13. Jonassen’s impact this season continues with one wicket each against the Hurricanes and Scorchers, underlining her consistency in both departments.
Heather Knight
A classy middle-order anchor and useful bowler, Knight boasts 2,384 runs and 54 wickets in 95 WBBL outings, with the best return of 3/4. She remains a stabilizing influence and offers Thunder crucial breakthroughs at key moments.
Shabnim Ismail
One of the fastest bowlers on the women’s circuit, Ismail has 68 wickets in 74 matches with the best of 3/10. She’s been particularly impressive this season claiming seven wickets in four matches with her trademark pace and aggression.
Pitch:
Allan Border Field traditionally delivers a balanced challenge between bat and ball. The average innings score sits around 125, while about six wickets fall per side. Bowlers benefit from early movement but batters who settle can accelerate with calculated aggression.
Weather:
Brisbane’s forecast indicates scattered thunderstorms with a 40% chance of rain, temperatures ranging from 20°C to 29°C, humidity at 66% and moderate winds at 16 kph. Conditions may change quickly and could influence tactics and play.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Grace Harris, Heather Knight, Chamari Athapaththu, Phoebe Litchfield, Jess Jonassen, Shabnim Ismail, Charli Knott, Nadine de Klerk, Hannah Darlington, Georgia Redmayne, Nicola Hancock
Match Details:
Date – Friday, November 21, 2025
Time – 2:40 PM IST
Venue – Allan Border Field, Brisbane
Broadcast – Star Sports Network | Live Streaming on Jio Hotstar (India)
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