A fighting batting display and a disciplined bowling performance helped Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Meteors Women register a superb 48-run win over Victoria Women in the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) clash in Canberra on January 8, 2026. The contest had everything, early wickets, a marathon innings, mini recoveries, and late bowling strikes, but in the end, the day belonged to the Meteors fearless approach, highlighted by Annie Wikman’s dream knock.
The innings began shakily for ACT Women after winning the toss and choosing to bat first. Opener Olivia Porter was the first to fall for just 2 off 9 balls, bowled by Tess Flintoff, leaving Victoria Women pumped early. Things could have gone further downhill when captain Carly Leeson was dismissed shortly after for 10 off 11, caught by Hasrat Gill off Ella Hayward, as ACT Meteors slipped to 2-13 inside four overs.
Victoria’s bowlers continued to dominate early as Georgia Elwiss departed without scoring, caught behind off Hayward, leaving the Meteors wobbling at 3-13. But Paris Bowdler and Annie Wikman came together to steady the ship, adding a crucial partnership. Bowdler played a calm hand for 40 off 62 deliveries, rotating strike while Wikman seized control from the other end. Their stand stretched the Meteors to respectability before Bowdler was stumped off Molly Strano, ending a vital 92-run partnership.
From there, the Meteors innings was defined by Wikman’s brilliance. Grace Lyons supported her with a handy 20 off 33, and lower-order contributions, including Zoe Cooke’s 9 and Shivani Mehta’s 6, ensured stability. Wikman remained the star, batting through the entire innings to finish unbeaten on a sensational 142 off 136 balls, striking 18 fours and showing unwavering composure.
ACT Meteors closed at a competitive 247/7, thanks largely to Wikman’s anchor role and partnerships stretching deep into the innings. Victoria’s bowling card featured key performers: Ella Hayward (3/51) led the way, while Sophie Molineux (1/39), Flintoff (1/11), and Strano (1/36) chipped in.
Chasing 248, Victoria Women needed a strong start but faced immediate setbacks. Opener Nicole Faltum’s 21 off 26 helped set early momentum before she fell lbw to Anesu Mushangwe. Soon after, Hayward (15) edged behind off Georgia Elwiss, and when Sophie Molineux (19) fell to Angelina Genford, Victoria sat at 3-75 under growing pressure.
The Meteors continued to apply the brakes, especially through Shivani Mehta, who produced a breakthrough spell. She dismissed Sophie Reid (12), skipper Rhys McKenna (0) and Sasha Moloney (10) in a match-defining burst, finishing with outstanding figures of 3/35.
The only major resistance came from Molly Strano, who crafted a gritty 60 off 68, keeping Victoria faintly alive. Georgia Prestwidge chipped in with a spirited 24 off 26, but as wickets fell around them, including Zoe Samuel (7) and Hasrat Gill (4), the chase lost steam.
Wikman capped her dream outing by grabbing a wicket herself, dismissing Prestwidge, while Elwiss (2/34) and Leeson (1/26) helped close out the innings. Victoria were eventually bowled out for 199 in 41.4 overs, handing ACT a confident 48-run victory.
With bat and ball dominating headlines, it was rightfully Annie Wikman who took home Player of the Match honours for her unbeaten 142 and two catches, a performance that could define her WNCL season.
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