The Hobart Hurricanes Women have claimed their first ever Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) championship, defeating the Perth Scorchers Women by eight wickets in the final at Bellerive Oval in Hobart on Saturday. The Hurricanes, who topped the WBBL|11 ladder during the league stage to secure direct entry into the final, came out all guns blazing to seal the coveted title.
Playing in front of a jubilant home crowd, the Hurricanes churned out a dominant performance, first restricting the Scorchers to a modest total before chasing it down with authority. Batting first after winning the toss, Perth Scorchers Women struggled to build momentum against a disciplined Hurricanes bowling attack as they remained unable to put on partnerships. Hobart kept the pressure on the Scorchers throughout the innings.
Heather Graham led the way with the ball, returning figures of 2 for 26, while English spinner Linsey Smith delivered a miserly spell of 2 for 8 that choked the Scorchers’ scoring rate. Scorchers' captain Sophie Devine fought hard at the top of the order, top-scoring with 34 from 29 deliveries. Meanwhile, Perth finished at 137/5 from 20 overs.
In reply, the Hurricanes, chasing 138, were led by a breathtaking innings from Lizelle Lee. Lee unleashed a stunning assault, smashing an unbeaten 77 from 44 balls. Sciver-Brunt supported with 35 runs. Hurricanes raced to the target in 15 overs, scoring 141/2 and winning their maiden WBBL title.