Perth Scorchers Women elected to bat first in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 11 Final but were held to a moderate 137 for 5 from their 20 overs. Openers Katie Mack and Beth Mooney made a cautious start against tight new ball bowling. Mack struggled to break free, scoring 17 from 21 before leaving Perth 36 for 1 in the sixth over.
Mooney, however, anchored the innings with trademark composure. She mixed nudges and drives with calculated aggression, compiling 33 off 26 balls with four boundaries and a six. Maddy Darke never quite settled, managing only 3 from 6 before falling with the score on 48 for 2, which checked Perth’s momentum during the middle overs.
Captain Sophie Devine injected much needed urgency, striking 34 from 29 deliveries including two sixers and two fours. She targeted the bowlers with clean hitting down the ground and through the offside, but just as she looked set to launch in the death overs, she was stumped, leaving Perth at 112 for 5 in the 17th over. Freya Kemp’s 10 off 8 and Paige Scholfield brisk 27* off 22 ensured the innings didn’t completely stall, adding important late runs as the Scorchers finished on 137.
The Hurricanes bowlers executed their plans smartly, varying their pace and lengths to deny boundaries, particularly through the middle phase. Their discipline forced Perth’s batters into taking risks, resulting in regular wickets just when partnerships threatened to blossom. With 137 on the board, Perth have something to defend.
Hobart Hurricanes’ bowling was led by Linsey Smith, who set the tone, finishing with 2 wickets for 8 runs from her two overs. Heather Graham provided crucial middle overs breakthroughs she took 2 wickets, and Lauren Smith also got one wicket.
Hobart Hurricanes were crowned WBBL champions after producing a calm, clinical batting performance in the final, comfortably chasing down Perth Scorchers’ total of 137 to secure an eight-wicket victory with 30 balls to spare. On the biggest stage of the tournament, the Hurricanes’ batters showed composure, clarity, and class to seal a historic title.
Leading the charge was wicketkeeper batter Lizelle Lee, who delivered a final worthy knock that will be remembered for years. Lee remained unbeaten on a magnificent 77 off just 44 balls, dictating the tempo of the chase from the very first over. Her innings was packed with authority, featuring ten fours and four sixes, as she dismantled the Scorchers’ bowling attack with precision and power. Whether it was punishing width or lofting confidently down the ground, Lee ensured Hobart stayed firmly in control throughout the chase.
Danni Wyatt-Hodge provided early momentum with a brisk 16 off 15 balls, striking three boundaries before falling to Amy Edgar. Her contribution, though short, allowed Hobart to capitalize on the powerplay and settle into the chase without pressure. Nat Sciver-Brunt then played a composed supporting role, scoring 35 off 27 deliveries. She rotated the strike efficiently and found timely boundaries, forming a crucial partnership with Lee that pushed Perth out of the contest.
After Sciver-Brunt’s dismissal at 126/2, Nicola Carey calmly finished the job, remaining unbeaten on 6 off 4 balls as Hobart reached 141/2 in just 15 overs. The Hurricanes’ batting in the final was a perfect example of a controlled chase under pressure.
With this dominant performance, Hobart Hurricanes lifted the WBBL trophy, capping off a remarkable season and cementing their place as champions of the league.
Loves all things female cricket