In a high-stakes clash at the Ninja Stadium in Hobart, Western Australia pulled off a clinical 6-wicket victory over Tasmania Tigers to keep their WNCL final hopes alive. After winning the toss and electing to bat, Tasmania posted a competitive 273/6, fueled by a brilliant unbeaten century from Rachel Trenaman. However, Western Australia’s chase was masterfully anchored by their captain, Chloe Piparo, whose own century ensured her side reached the target of 274 with 14 balls to spare.
Tasmania’s innings started with a solid foundation as Rachel Trenaman and Ruth Johnston put on a massive 111-run opening stand. Johnston played the role of the aggressor, smashing 60 off just 59 balls with nine boundaries and a six. While Johnston’s departure in the 20th over slowed the momentum slightly, Trenaman remained the immovable object at the other end. She batted through the entire 50 overs, finishing on a magnificent 139* from 146 deliveries. Despite her heroics, the middle order struggled to capitalize, with the next highest scores coming from Hayley Silver-Holmes (19) and Elyse Villani (18), leaving Tasmania with a total that felt slightly under par given their start.
Western Australia’s bowlers showed great discipline to pull things back during the middle overs. Zoe Britcliffe was the pick of the attack, claiming 2/55, including the crucial wickets of Johnston and Villani. Shay Manolini also played a vital role in the death overs, picking up 2/55 from her 9 overs to prevent a late-inning explosion. The Western Australian side restricted Tasmania to a run rate of 5.46, ensuring the chase remained manageable on a good batting surface.
The chase began with a steady 59-run opening partnership between Chloe Piparo and Maddy Darke (28). Once Darke fell to Maisy Gibson, Bhavi Devchand joined her captain in a match-defining 145-run stand. Devchand was superb, finding the gaps with ease to score 67 off 70 balls. At the other end, Piparo was in complete control, punishing anything loose. Her 119 off 118 balls featured nine fours and a towering six, effectively breaking the back of the chase and demoralizing the Tasmanian bowling unit.
Tasmania tried to fight back late in the game, picking up three quick wickets for just 49 runs as the finish line neared. Callie Wilson and Courtney Sippel managed to remove the set batters, but the damage was already done. With just 21 runs needed, Heather Graham (25) and Chloe Ainsworth (13*) ensured there were no further hiccups. Western Australia crossed the line in the 48th over, finishing at 274/4 and securing a vital win that moved them within striking distance of the top of the table.
This victory serves as a massive statement for Western Australia, proving they have the composure to chase down imposing totals under pressure. While Tasmania will rue a missed opportunity to defend their home turf, the match will be remembered as a high-quality shootout between two of the competition’s premier centurions.
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