New South Wales (NSW) Breakers enters this matchup as the undisputed force of the competition, sitting comfortably at the top of the WNCL 2025-26 table with a flawless record of seven wins from seven matches. Their clinical 85-run victory over Queensland Fire further solidified their 32-point tally and a commanding net run rate of 1.327. On the flip side, Queensland Fire remain in second place with 27 points from nine games, but they are feeling the heat after a string of three consecutive losses. While they’ve played more cricket than anyone else in the league, their form has dipped at a crucial time, making this rematch a high-stakes opportunity to find their rhythm again.
Squads:
New South Wales Breakers Women’s Cricket Team
Anika Learoyd, Claire Moore, Elsa Hunter, Frankie Nicklin, Katie Mack, Phoebe Litchfield, Tara French, Ash Gardner, Caoimhe Bray, Ellyse Perry, Erin Burns, Alyssa Healy, Kate Pelle, Tahlia Wilson, Hannah Darlington, Jade Allen, Lauren Cheatle, Maitlan Brown, Samantha Bates, Sarah Coyte, Sienne Eve
Queensland Fire Women’s Cricket Team
Annie O’Neil, Laura Harris, Lucy Bourke, Charli Knott, Lucy Hamilton, Sianna Ginger, Georgia Redmayne, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Mikayla Wrigley, Bonnie Berry, Jess Jonassen, Lily Bassingthwaighte, Nicola Hancock
Players to watch out:
Katie Mack
Katie Mack has been a model of consistency for NSW Breakers, currently sitting among the top five run-scorers in the league. She recently anchored the top order with a brilliant 95 off just 88 balls against Queensland Fire, a knock that earned her Player of the Match honors despite missing out on the century. With 387 runs already under her belt this season, she remains the steady hand that NSW Breakers relies on to build their massive totals.
Lauren Winfield-Hill
The veteran English import continues to be a vital asset for Queensland Fire, providing explosive starts at the top of the order. She has notched up 261 runs across her appearances so far, highlighted by her ability to maintain a strike rate near 94 which keeps the pressure on opposition bowlers. While she’s had a few low scores recently, her experience remains central to Queensland’s push for a top two finish.
Samantha Bates
Sam Bates has been the primary spin threat for the Breakers, consistently strangling the run rate in the middle overs with her left-arm orthodox. She currently has 12 wickets from her five matches, often being the one to break stubborn partnerships, as seen in her crucial two-wicket haul during the 85-run win over the Fire. Her economy rate of 4.20 remains one of the best in the competition with best bowling figures of 4 for 26, making her almost impossible to get away on slower tracks.
Nicola Hancock
Nicola Hancock has spearheaded the Queensland Fire pace attack with trademark aggression, currently sitting as one of the leading wicket-takers with 14 scalps. Her best figures of 4/42 this season showcased her ability to rip through middle orders, and she remains a constant threat during the powerplay and death overs. Even in matches where she hasn’t taken the most wickets, her pace and bounce have allowed the Fire’s spinners to capitalize at the other end.
Pitch:
The pitch at Cricket Central is designed to replicate the traditional characteristics of the SCG, typically offering a good batting surface with moderate pace. As the game progresses, these decks tend to slow down slightly and offer significant assistance to spinners, making them some of the most tweaker-friendly surfaces in the country.
Weather:
Sydney is looking at a high temperature of 28°C and a low of 21°C with partly sunny skies. There is a 10% chance of rain during the day, accompanied by a northeast wind at 11 mph.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Katie Mack, Tahlia Wilson, Lauren Cheatle, Maitlan Brown, Samantha Bates, Sarah Coyte, Charli Knott, Sianna Ginger, Georgia Redmayne, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Nicola Hancock
Match Details:
Date – February 5, 2026
Time – 4:30 AM IST
Venue – Cricket Central, Sydney
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
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