Queensland Fire produced a commanding all-round performance to register a 32-run victory over Tasmania Tigers in the 13th match of the Women’s National Cricket League 2025–26 at Hobart, delivering a contest that ebbed and flowed before the hosts were decisively shut out in the chase.
Opting to bat first, Queensland’s innings began on a cautious note as early movement helped Tasmania strike within the first four overs. Georgia Redmayne fell cheaply for 7, caught off Hayley Silver-Holmes, leaving Queensland searching for stability. That stability arrived through Mikayla Wrigley and Sianna Ginger, who rebuilt patiently, ensuring no further damage during the powerplay. Ginger’s brisk 21 from 25 balls injected momentum, but Tasmania clawed back when Maisy Gibson trapped her lbw, breaking the 43-run stand at 61.
The backbone of Queensland’s innings was formed by a match-defining partnership between Mikayla Wrigley and Lucinda Bourke. Wrigley anchored the innings with a composed 88 off 115 balls, rotating strike intelligently, while Bourke counter-attacked with authority, striking 85 from 91 deliveries, peppering the boundaries with precision. Their 128-run partnership for the third wicket tilted the contest firmly in Queensland’s favour and blunted Tasmania’s middle-overs plans.
Tasmania struck back through Gibson and Silver-Holmes to remove Wrigley and Laura Harris in quick succession, but Bourke continued to hold firm before departing in the 45th over. Queensland finished strongly thanks to a late flourish from Nicola Hancock, whose unbeaten 39 off 31 balls lifted the innings in the final stretch, supported briefly by Ruby Strange and Grace Parsons. Despite Tasmania collecting wickets at regular intervals late on, Queensland’s disciplined batting effort carried them to 293 for 8 in 50 overs, bolstered by 30 extras.
Tasmania’s bowling effort was led by Maisy Gibson (2/42), who impressed with control, while Hayley Silver-Holmes (2/60) and Courtney Grace Sippel (2/56) chipped in with key breakthroughs. Callie Wilson and Lauren Smith also contributed, though the bowlers struggled to contain the Wrigley–Bourke stand during the middle phase.
In reply, Tasmania Tigers began with intent but lost momentum at crucial junctures. Rachel Trenaman’s 48 off 65 balls set the platform alongside Ruth Johnston, but regular wickets prevented sustained partnerships. Queensland’s bowlers struck at telling moments, with Sianna Ginger delivering a standout spell of 3 for 37, consistently applying pressure through the middle overs.
Elyse Villani fought hard with a 36 off 41 balls, while Courtney Grace Sippel added a useful unbeaten 30, yet Tasmania never fully recovered from the loss of wickets at regular intervals. Grace Parsons (2/66) and Nicola Hancock (1/40) ensured the run rate remained under control, while Bonnie Berry and Ruby Strange offered effective support. Tasmania eventually closed on 261 for 9, falling short despite flashes of resistance. The disciplined bowling, combined with Queensland’s superior batting partnerships, proved decisive.
With 39 and a wicket, Nicola Hancock was rightly named Player of the Match, capping a performance that underlined Queensland Women’s depth and composure. The result strengthened Queensland’s campaign in the WNCL 2025–26, while Tasmania will reflect on missed opportunities despite several encouraging individual efforts.
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