The Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2025 has already delivered a spectacular showcase of talent and T20 excitement, with the league stage wrapping up and the competition now charging into the playoffs. As teams battle for a spot in the Grand Final on December 13, the remarkable individual performances that defined the group stage have been formally recognised with the season’s major honours: the Golden Bat for the top run-scorer, the Golden Ball for the most successful bowler, and the Young Gun award for the breakout star.
These awards celebrate the consistency and sheer brilliance of the players who have lit up the regular season, from November 9 to December 7. With the Knockout match scheduled for December 9, and the Challenger to follow on December 11, the heat is on, but it’s important to pause and acknowledge the players who set the standard for excellence this WBBL season.
Golden Bat: Meg Lanning (Melbourne Stars)
Meg Lanning, the former Australian captain and an icon of the game, stamped her class all over WBBL 11, securing the Golden Bat award for the third time in her storied career. Despite the Melbourne Stars finishing fourth, Lanning was a beacon of consistency at the top of the order, dominating the tournament’s batting charts. She amassed a phenomenal 430 runs across her campaign, proving that form is indeed temporary, but class is permanent. Her total tally was achieved with a brilliant average of 53.75, showcasing her ability to build innings and bat deep.
This included a top score of 135, one of the three centuries of the tournament, alongside Beth Mooney and Ellyse Perry which came against the Sydney Sixers. She also notched up a further three half-centuries, ensuring the Stars always had a solid foundation. Lanning’s authority was further highlighted by her striking prowess, demonstrating her masterful ability to place the ball through the field rather than rely on aerial shots. Her overall strike rate of 140.06 was a testament to her commanding presence at the crease.
Golden Ball: Georgia Wareham (Melbourne Renegades)
Melbourne Renegades’ leg-spinner Georgia Wareham took the top honour for the bowlers, deservedly claiming the Golden Ball award. Wareham’s wrist-spin was a consistent threat, delivering crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs for the defending champions as they battled through the league stage. Wareham finished the tournament as the leading wicket-taker with 19 wickets to her name, showcasing her effectiveness on pitches that often favoured spin.
She delivered a total of 38 overs, conceding only 208 runs for a superb economy rate of 5.47, highlighting her control and pressure building. Her bowling strike rate was an impressive 12 balls per wicket. The highlight of her campaign was her best bowling figures of 3 for 12, a performance that helped the Renegades secure a vital win. Her consistent ability to strike earned her Player of the Match awards on two occasions, cementing her place as the most impactful bowler of the season.
The Young Gun: Lucy Hamilton (Brisbane Heat)
The future of Australian fast bowling looks bright, with Brisbane Heat’s left-arm pacer Lucy Hamilton clinching the Young Gun award for the most outstanding player aged 21 or under. This award recognises exceptional emerging talent, and Hamilton’s performance in a challenging season for the Heat was truly outstanding. Hamilton finished the season with a haul of 8 wickets, a significant contribution considering the Brisbane Heat only managed one point all season.
She consistently led the Heat’s new-ball attack, demonstrating maturity beyond her years. Her best figures of 2/28 underscored her ability to make vital early inroads. Beyond the numbers, her campaign included the prized scalps of some of the league’s biggest hitters, including Meg Lanning, Beth Mooney, and Tahlia McGrath. As a key player for Australia at the recent Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, her seamless transition to the senior league proved she is a talent ready for the big stage.
As the WBBL 11 finals series unfolds, the exceptional individual achievements of Meg Lanning, Georgia Wareham, and Lucy Hamilton provide a defining snapshot of the season. Lanning’s mastery with the bat, Wareham’s consistent wizardry with the ball, and Hamilton’s inspiring emergence as a Young Gun have all contributed to a memorable tournament.
These honours not only celebrate outstanding personal performance but also serve as a thrilling reminder of the world-class talent and exciting future that continues to drive the Women’s Big Bash League.
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