In a fairytale finish to the 11th edition of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), 33-year-old veteran opener Lizelle Lee delivered a match-winning 77* off just 44 balls, propelling Hobart Hurricanes to their first-ever title with an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Sophie Devine’s Perth Scorchers in the final at Bellerive Oval, Hobart, on December 13, 2025.
Lee’s explosive knock, laced with 10 boundaries and 4 maximums, powered the Hurricanes to chase down 138 in just 15 overs, earning her the Player of the Match award. Opening alongside Danielle Wyatt-Hodge (16 off 15), she forged a crucial 49-run stand that set the tone for Hurricanes skipper Elyse Villani’s dominant campaign.
Lee’s masterclass wasn’t just a one-off; it capped a stellar tournament for the wicket-keeper batter, who finished as the Hurricanes’ second-highest run-scorer with 305 runs across 10 innings at a blistering strike rate of 154.82 and an average of 38.12. She smashed three half-centuries in 11 matches, embodying the Hurricanes’ fearless batting ethos that carried them through the league stages at the top of the points table.
Hobart Hurricanes arrived at the final riding a wave of dominance, clinching 15 points from 10 league games, seven victories, two defeats against the Melbourne Stars and Sydney Sixers, and one washout versus the Adelaide Strikers. This marked the first time in WBBL history they topped the ladder, securing a direct path to their maiden final appearance under Villani’s astute leadership.
Their campaign showcased depth and resilience, with Lee’s consistency anchoring the top order amid high stakes chases and partnerships. Bellerive Oval, their fortress, erupted as Lee dismantled the Scorchers’ attack, blending elegant drives with ruthless power-hitting that left Devine’s side reeling.
At 33, Lee drew on years of international experience to outshine younger guns, her unbeaten 77* a testament to calculated aggression, racing to 50 off 32 balls before unleashing in the death overs. Wyatt-Hodge’s steady support in the opening stand provided the perfect launchpad, allowing Lee to dominate spinners and pacers alike. The Hurricanes’ chase never wavered, crossing the line with five overs spare and rewriting their franchise legacy.
This triumph elevates the Hurricanes into WBBL elite, with Lee’s heroics etching her name in the folklore. For women’s cricket fans, it’s a reminder of veterans’ enduring magic in T20’s high-octane world.
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