The 31st Match of the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) 2025-26 in Melbourne unfolded as a gripping contest between Victoria Women and Western Australia Women, delivering high-quality domestic cricket and a thrilling chase that kept fans engaged until the closing overs. In what turned out to be a classic WNCL 2026 match, Western Australia Women secured a six-wicket win with 17 balls remaining, successfully chasing down a competitive target in style.
Victoria Women began their innings with Nicole Faltum and Ella Hayward at the crease, but the start was far from ideal. Chloe Ainsworth struck early, removing Hayward for 12 off 19 balls at 1-22 in 6.3 overs. Shortly after, Ebony Hoskin dismissed Faltum for 7 (22), leaving Victoria at 2-23 in 7.2 overs. Samara Dulvin attempted to rebuild alongside Olivia Henry, but Alana King tightened the screws. Dulvin fell for 14 (18) at 3-52 in 13.1 overs, caught off King’s bowling.
The innings found stability when Olivia Henry and Tess Flintoff stitched together a crucial 61-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Henry compiled a steady 39 off 56 balls, striking four boundaries before Lilly Mills removed her at 4-113 in 26.1 overs. With the platform laid, Tess Flintoff produced one of the standouts knocks of the match. Her composed 101 off 101 deliveries, featuring 11 fours and a six, anchored the innings beautifully. Alongside her, captain Rhys McKenna added 12 before falling lbw to Heather Graham at 5-134 (31.4 overs).
Victoria suffered a mini collapse as Zoe Samuel was dismissed for 0 at 6-134 (31.6 overs), giving Graham her second wicket. Flintoff continued to hold one end firm, building another valuable stand, this time 103 runs with Molly Strano. Strano’s unbeaten 43 off 56 balls (4 fours) provided the late impetus. Flintoff eventually fell agonisingly short of the finish, run out for 101 at 7-237 in 48.4 overs. Milly Illingworth added a brisk 8 off 3 balls before being stumped at 8-246 (49.2 overs). Victoria Women concluded their 50 overs at 250/8, with 12 extras.
Heather Graham was the pick of the Western Australia bowlers, claiming 3/51 in her 10 overs, while Chloe Ainsworth (1/19) impressed with her control. Alana King (1/37), Lilly Mills (1/50), and Ebony Hoskin (1/36) provided steady support, keeping Victoria to a manageable total despite Flintoff’s century.
Chasing 251, Western Australia Women lost Maddy Darke early for 8 (12), bowled by Milly Illingworth at 1-20 in 5.1 overs. Chloe Piparo and Mikayla Hinkley steadied the innings with an important 82-run stand. Piparo made 41 off 57 balls (6 fours) before being run out at 2-102 in 21.3 overs. Hinkley then found an able partner in Heather Graham, and together they added 87 runs for the third wicket. Hinkley’s patient 86 off 120 deliveries (9 fours) anchored the chase before she was dismissed at 4-231 in 44.3 overs, caught off Ella Hayward.
Earlier, Graham had contributed a fluent 44 off 53 balls, striking five boundaries, before falling at 3-189 (37.2 overs). With 20 runs still required, Mathilda Carmichael (34* off 32) and Bhavi Devchand (11* off 9) ensured there were no late hiccups. Their unbeaten 22-run partnership guided Western Australia Women to 253/4 in 47.1 overs, finishing the chase with confidence and composure. For Victoria, Milly Illingworth (1/30), Zoe Samuel (1/37), and Ella Hayward (1/38) claimed wickets, while Ira Aery (0/36), Hasrat Gill (0/30), Tess Flintoff (0/23), and Molly Strano (0/46) chipped in with disciplined spells.
In the end, it was a complete team performance from Western Australia Women against Victoria Women, highlighted by Heather Graham’s all-round brilliance (44 and 3/51), earning her the Player of the Match award. The result significantly boosts WA’s campaign in the Women’s National Cricket League standings, while Victoria will rue missed opportunities despite a superb century from Tess Flintoff.
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