The Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) 2025-26 season commenced on September 24, 2025, with a highly anticipated opening match between Western Australia and Queensland Fire at the W.A.C.A. Ground in Perth. This season features seven teams competing in a double round-robin format with a total of 43 matches, culminating in a final on March 21, 2026.
Queensland Fire’s batting in the opening match of the WNCL 2025-26 season was anchored by great performances that built a competitive total of 236 runs. Lauren Winfield-Hill contributed 38 runs and shared a crucial 79-run partnership with Lucy Bourke, who scored 42.
Charli Knott was the standout player with a determined 53 runs, while the lower order added momentum with quickfire contributions from Annie O’Neil (29) and an unbeaten 32 by Mikayla Wrigley. Their collective efforts enabled Queensland Fire to post a target that put pressure on the chasing side.
Western Australia Women’s bowling attack made a significant impact in the WNCL 2025-26 season opener, bowling Queensland Fire out for 236 in a highly contested match.
Amy Edgar (4/37) led the bowling effort with an impressive four-wicket haul, providing crucial breakthroughs and maintaining control over the run rate. Lilly Mills (3/63) supported well, securing three wickets with disciplined bowling, while Heather Graham also chipped in with three wickets, including a decisive caught-and-bowled wicket to end the 52-run stand between Jessica Jonassen and Charli Knott.
The trio’s consistent pressure and ability to break partnerships were key in restricting Queensland’s strong batting lineup.
Western Australia Women started their innings strongly, led by impressive half-centuries from Chloe Piparo (63) and Mikayla Hinkley (57), who combined for a significant 106-run partnership. This stand set the foundation for a solid start to the chase.
However, despite this Western Australia’s middle and lower orders struggled to maintain the pace and lost wickets regularly at crucial moments leading to the end of their inning in 40.5 overs.
The bowling attack led by Queensland Fire, spearheaded by Jess Jonassen with pivotal wickets and supported by Sianna Ginger and Lucy Hamilton, applied relentless pressure on Western Australia Women’s batting lineup.
Sianna Ginger broke the key partnership of Chloe Piparo and Mikayla Hinkley of 106 runs. The inability of Western Australia’s lower order to hold onto their wickets ultimately led to their innings concluding at 172, ensuring Queensland Fire’s convincing win to kick off the season.
This season is anticipated to showcase emerging talents and seasoned performers vying for supremacy in Australia’s top-tier women’s cricket league, with several amazing players expected to compete after their involvement in the ICC Women’s World Cup in India.
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