Hobart Hurricanes won their first-ever Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) title after defeating Perth Scorchers in thefinal on December 13. The Hurricanes sealed the match by eight wickets with 30 balls to spare.
Perth Scorchers won the toss and decided to bat first, posting a total of 137 runs for the loss of five wickets. Openers Katie Mack (17) and Beth Mooney (33) gave a steady start, while captain Sophie Devine added an important 34 runs in the middle. Paige Scholfield chipped in with unbeaten 27 runs towards the end. Linsey Smith was the standout bowler for the Hurricanes, taking two wickets while conceding just eight runs. Heather Graham also picked up two wickets, while Lauren Smith claimed one.
In the chase, opener Lizelle Lee was the top scorer for the Hurricanes, remaining unbeaten on 77 runs off 44 balls. Her knock included 10 boundaries and four sixes at a strike rate of 175.00. Nat Sciver-Brunt (35) and Danielle Wyatt-Hodge (16) also contributed valuable runs, helping the Hurricanes reach the target in just 15 overs.
After the victory, Hurricanes captain Elyse Villani announced her retirement from her Big Bash career. Speaking after the match, Villani said, “I’m about to go in and tell my team that I’m done for the big bash.”
Calling it a perfect ending to her career, she added, “Not many people get to have a fairytale ending and I’m one of those people who have been fortunate enough to have that with an amazing group as well. It’s extra special, it definitely hasn’tsunk in yet. That’s a huge chapter of my life done and dusted but I couldn’t be happier. This is all I’ve dreamt of.”
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