Both Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Meteors and South Australia Scorpions head into this Canberra clash looking to stabilize their campaigns after a rollercoaster stretch of results in the ongoing Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) 2025-26. The ACT Meteors will be eager to bounce back on home soil after suffering consecutive eight-wicket defeats to the league-leading NSW Breakers in late January. Despite those setbacks, the Meteors remain a competitive force, currently sitting mid-table with key victories over Victoria and Tasmania earlier in the season. Meanwhile, the South Australian Scorpions arrive with plenty of momentum; they are currently 4th on the points table with 21 points and have won four of their last five matches, including a nail-biting one-wicket win over Queensland.
Squads:
Australian Capital Territory Meteors Women’s Cricket Team
Annie Wikman, Olivia Porter, Rachel Carroll, Shivani Mehta, Carly Leeson, Georgia Elwiss, Grace Dignam, Stella Wilde, Zoe Cooke, Grace Lyons, Paris Bowdler, Amy Hunter, Anesu Mushangwe, Angelina Genford, Gabrielle Sutcliffe, Holly Ferling
South Australian Scorpions Women’s Cricket Team
Bridget Patterson, Courtney Webb, Ellie Johnston, Emma de Broughe, Hollie Armitage, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Eleanor Larosa, Ella Wilson, Emmerson Filsell, Madeline Penna, Tahlia McGrath, Elizabeth Worthley, Courtney Neale, Darcie Brown, Isabella Malgioglio, Jemma Barsby, Kate Peterson, Maggie Clark, Megan Schutt
Players to watch out:
Courtney Webb
Webb has been a rock for South Australian Scorpions this season, consistently finding ways to anchor the middle order. Her highlight of the tournament so far was a brilliant, unbeaten 123 against Tasmania Tigers, where she took control of the game with a strike rate well over 130. She’s currently sitting among the top run-scorers with 345 runs from 8 matches, and her ability to rotate strike under pressure has been a massive asset for South Australia in tight chases.
Annie Wikman
Annie has really hit her stride this summer, especially with that massive maiden century—a career-best 142 not out against Victoria that turned heads across the league. She’s been a reliable force for the ACT Meteors, racking up 389 runs at an impressive strike rate of 91.75. Her recent form even earned her a call-up to the Governor-General’s XI, proving she’s one of the most exciting young talents currently playing domestic cricket.
Amanda-Jade Wellington
Wellington continues to be one of the most dangerous leg-spinners in the country, leading the Scorpions’ attack with 15 wickets in just 8 games. She recently tore through the Queensland Fire lineup to claim a five-wicket haul (5/42), reminding everyone why she’s a perennial threat in the WNCL. Beyond her bowling, she’s chipped in with useful runs lower down the order, maintaining her reputation as a genuine match-winner.
Zoe Cooke
Zoe has been the ultimate clutch player for the Meteors this year, particularly with her Player of the Match performance against Tasmania where she smashed 83 off 78 balls. While she’s primarily known for her disciplined bowling—collecting 14 wickets so far with a very tidy economy—it’s her ability to play those aggressive blinder innings that has really boosted ACT’s totals. She’s currently one of the most effective all-round contributors in the tournament.
Pitch:
Phillip Oval in Canberra offers a balanced surface with true bounce that rewards well-timed shots, making it suitable for medium-scoring games. Fast bowlers benefit from seam movement and bounce with the new ball, while longer square boundaries assist in containing batters.
Weather:
The conditions in Canberra, expect rain with a high of 25°C and a low of 16°C. There is a 55% chance of rain during the day, with northwest winds at 11 mph.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Annie Wikman, Georgia Elwiss, Zoe Cooke, Amy Hunter, Holly Ferling, Bridget Patterson, Courtney Webb, Emma de Broughe, Hollie Armitage, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Megan Schutt
Match Details:
Date – February 22, 2026
Time – 4:30 AM IST
Venue – Phillip Oval, Canberra
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on cricket.com.au.
Loves all things female cricket