The contest between Queensland Fire and New South Wales Breakers in the 28th match of the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) 2025–26 at Sydney unfolded as a tense, momentum-shifting affair that went right down to the wire, eventually tilting in favour of the visitors in a dramatic one-wicket finish. From the very first over to the final nervous moments, the game showcased composure under pressure, key middle-order partnerships, and disciplined spells with the ball that kept both sides firmly in the contest.
Queensland’s innings never quite settled into a smooth rhythm early on. Their troubles began immediately when captain Georgia Redmayne was dismissed for a two-ball duck at 0.2 overs, caught off Lauren Cheatle, handing New South Wales the perfect start. Mikayla Wrigley then took on the responsibility of anchoring the innings, batting deep with a patient 46 off 99 balls. She found brief support from Charli Knott, but Knott’s stay was short-lived as she fell for 4 at 2.1 overs, leaving Queensland wobbling at 2 for 5.
Stability arrived through a vital partnership between Wrigley and Jess Jonassen, who added momentum during the middle overs. Jonassen’s 31 from 48 balls helped Queensland rebuild, before her dismissal at 20.1 overs triggered another phase of uncertainty. Contributions from Lauren Winfield-Hill (21 off 25) and Sianna Ginger (23 off 21) added crucial runs, with Ginger striking at over a run a ball to keep the scoreboard ticking. Lower-order support from Annie O’Neil (20) ensured Queensland stayed competitive, but regular wickets — including Wrigley’s dismissal at 32.1 overs, prevented a late surge. The innings eventually closed at 188 all out in 47.4 overs, with New South Wales’ bowlers maintaining control.
Cheatle led the attack with a standout spell of 4 for 32, removing key batters at critical moments. Frankie Nicklin (3 for 33) provided excellent support, while Sarah Coyte (2 for 20) kept things tight. Samantha Bates and Ellyse Perry chipped in with a wicket apiece, ensuring Queensland never broke free.
Chasing 189, New South Wales’ reply was far from straightforward. Early wickets put pressure on the top order as Alyssa Healy departed cheaply for 2, followed soon by Tahlia Wilson and Ellyse Perry, leaving the chase delicately poised. The innings gained shape through partnerships rather than a single dominating knock. Katie Mack’s brisk 24 off 17 balls injected urgency, while Anika Learoyd (25) and Maitlan Brown (41) formed a crucial stand that steadied the chase through the middle overs.
Queensland fought back relentlessly with the ball. Grace Parsons (3 for 47) struck important blows, while Sianna Ginger and Bonnie Berry claimed a wicket each. Jess Jonassen’s economical 1 for 26 kept pressure on, and Charli Knott also contributed with the ball. As wickets continued to fall, New South Wales slipped to 177 for 9, setting up a nervy finish.
With the game hanging in the balance, composure came from skipper Lauren Cheatle, who backed up her bowling heroics with 9* off 11 balls, alongside Samantha Bates (4* off 11). The pair calmly navigated the final overs, sealing victory at 189 for 9 in 44.5 overs, with 31 balls remaining.
Cheatle fittingly earned Player of the Match honours for her all-round impact, 4/32 and two catches, as New South Wales clinched a thrilling win. The match underlined why the WNCL 2025–26 season continues to deliver gripping, high-quality contests, with both Queensland Fire and New South Wales Breakers showcasing depth, resilience, and competitive edge right until the final ball.
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