The Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) 2025-26 kicks off with an exciting clash between Western Australia Women and Queensland Fire at the iconic W.A.C.A. Ground, Perth, on September 24, 2025. Both teams are eager to start their campaigns on a strong note.
Queensland Fire’s squad boasts several players with international experience, including captain Jess Jonassen and World Cup players like Georgia Voll and Grace Harris. Their consistency in the regular season and hunger to break past final-stage disappointments makes them a formidable side.
Meanwhile, Western Australia Women, on the other hand, have demonstrated resilience with notable recent performances but will need to improve their winning ratio. The battle between Queensland’s strong batting lineup and Western Australia’s spirited bowling attack promises an intriguing contest for fans at the W.A.C.A. Ground.
Squads:
Queensland Fire Women’s Cricket Team
Annie O’Neil, Laura Harris, Lucy Bourke, Charli Knott, Lucy Hamilton, Sianna Ginger, Georgia Redmayne, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Mikayla Wrigley, Bonnie Berry, Jess Jonassen, Lily Bassingthwaighte, Nicola Hancock
Western Australia Women’s Cricket Team
Chloe Piparo, Ines McKeon, Mathilda Carmichael, Mikayla Hinkley, Amy Edgar, Charis Bekker, Rebecca McGrath, Taneale Peschel, Beth Mooney, Maddy Darke, Alana King, Chloe Ainsworth, Ebony Hoskin, Heather Graham, Lilly Mills, Maddie White, Piepa Cleary, Shay Manolini, Zoe Britcliffe
Players to watch out:
Jess Jonassen
Jess Jonassen has played 93 WODIs, scoring 610 runs with the highest score of 39 and an average of around 19.3. With the ball, she has taken 141 wickets from 693.3 overs at an excellent average of 19.6 and an economy rate just under 4 runs per over. Her bowling strike rate sits at about 29.5, with six 4-wicket hauls and two 5-wicket hauls in ODIs, making her a key left-arm orthodox spinner for Australia. Her all-round performance will be vital for her side in the tournament.
Lauren Winfield-Hill
Lauren Winfield-Hill has played 55 WODI matches, scoring 1,186 runs with the highest score of 123 and an average of 23.25. She has three half-centuries and one century in ODIs, maintaining a strike rate of around 66.3. Winfield-Hill is a right-hand batter and contributes significantly in the top and middle order for England. Her experience and consistent batting have made her a valuable player in any squad she plays for and will also be crucial for her side in the tournament.
Amy Edgar
The 27-year-old allrounder has been a reliable force for Western Australia. In the previous WNCL season, she finished as the fourth-highest wicket-taker, claiming 21 wickets in 9 matches. Her standout spell of 4/10 came against South Australia Women in a crucial clash. With the bat, the right-hander added valuable runs, contributing 64 in the tournament.
Chloe Ainsworth
The 20-year-old rising talent has already impressed on the Under-19 circuit. Featuring in only two matches during the 2024-25 WNCL season, the bowling allrounder showcased her impact by taking 5 wickets, including a best of 4/45. She also chipped in with 41 runs, highlighting her all-round potential.
Pitch:
The W.A.C.A. wicket is traditionally known for being a fast and bouncy surface, favoring pace bowlers with good carry and bounce. Over the years, it has been known to support aggressive stroke play, encouraging both fast bowlers and attacking batters due to its pace-friendly characteristics.
Weather:
The conditions in Perth are forecasted to be mostly sunny and very warm, continuing the trend of clear skies and high temperatures. The conditions are expected to be ideal for cricket, with low humidity and light winds making for a pleasant day.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Laura Harris, Charli Knott, Lucy Hamilton, Georgia Redmayne, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Jess Jonassen, Chloe Piparo, Maddy Darke, Chloe Ainsworth, Heather Graham, Nicola Hancock
Match Details:
Date – September 24, 2025
Time – 11:30 AM IST
Venue – W.A.C.A. Ground, Perth
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
Loves all things female cricket