The Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) clash between New South Wales (NSW) Breakers and Queensland Fire at Sydney on February 3, 2026, unfolded as a contest defined by composure, partnerships, and tactical clarity.
In a match that demanded discipline with both bat and ball, NSW Breakers showcased their depth and experience to secure a comprehensive 85-run victory. While Queensland showed moments of resilience, particularly through their captain, NSW’s structured approach across all four phases of the game ensured they stayed in control from start to finish.
NSW Women’s innings was built on balance rather than early fireworks, with the top order laying a steady foundation before the middle order took charge. Alyssa Healy and Tahlia Wilson negotiated the new ball confidently, rotating strike and punishing loose deliveries before the first breakthrough arrived at 1-66 in 11.6 overs, when Healy departed for 28. Wilson continued to anchor the innings, finding support from Ellyse Perry, but Queensland clawed back through Jess Jonassen, who removed Wilson for 46 at 2-93 (15.2 overs) and Perry for 22 at 3-112 (19.1 overs). Anika Learoyd’s brief stay ended at 4-133 (23.5 overs), leaving the Breakers in need of stability.
That stability arrived through a match-defining partnership between Katie Mack and Claire Moore. Mack played with controlled aggression, timing the ball beautifully on her way to a superb 95 off 88 balls, while Moore complemented her with a fluent 78 from 78 deliveries. Their partnership pushed NSW Breakers into a dominant position before Mack fell at 5-263 (44.6 overs) and Moore followed at 6-296 (48.5 overs). Late contributions from Maitlan Brown (13*), supported by extras, ensured NSW completed their 50 overs strongly, finishing with a commanding total built on depth and calculated acceleration.
Queensland’s bowling effort had phases of control, particularly in the middle overs, where Jess Jonassen led from the front. Jonassen’s figures of 3/58 from 10 overs were a reflection of her ability to strike at key moments, removing Wilson, Perry, and Mack. Sianna Ginger provided valuable support with 2/60, breaking partnerships when Queensland needed breakthroughs, while Bonnie Berry bowled economically for her 1/46. Nicola Hancock and Grace Parsons remained wicketless but absorbed pressure during tough spells as NSW’s middle order accelerated. Despite moments of discipline, Queensland Fire struggled to contain the Mack–Moore partnership, and the inability to close out overs without leakage eventually allowed NSW to post a formidable score.
Chasing a daunting target, Queensland Women found themselves under immediate pressure as wickets fell early. Mikayla Wrigley was dismissed at 1-13 (2.5 overs), followed quickly by Lauren Winfield-Hill at 2-13 (2.6 overs), leaving Queensland reeling in the powerplay. Captain Georgia Redmayne steadied the innings with a composed and courageous knock, anchoring the chase with a well-constructed 100 off 107 balls. She found brief support from Jess Jonassen (26) before Sarah Coyte intervened at 3-61 (11.5 overs). Lucinda Bourke fell at 4-91 (18.2 overs), and Sienna Ginger’s dismissal at 5-92 (19.4 overs) further dented the chase. A fighting partnership between Annie O’Neil (37) and Ruby Strange (32) revived Queensland’s hopes momentarily, but the required rate continued to climb.
Once Redmayne was dismissed at 9-222 (41.1 overs), the contest was effectively sealed, and Queensland were bowled out for 224 in 42.5 overs. NSW’s bowling performance was a collective effort marked by discipline and smart rotation. Lauren Cheatle set the tone early with 2/37 in 8 overs, removing both openers and forcing Queensland onto the back foot. Sarah Coyte was the standout in the middle overs, finishing with 3/31 from 7 overs, consistently breaking partnerships at crucial moments. Samantha Bates played a vital supporting role with 2/33, while Maitlan Brown chipped in with 1/55, including the prized wicket of Redmayne.
Katie Mack’s near century justly earned her the Player of the Match award, while Georgia Redmayne’s century stood out in defeat for Queensland. Ultimately, NSW’s depth and experience across all departments proved decisive, reinforcing their reputation as one of the strongest units in the Women’s National Cricket League.
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