The Hobart Hurricanes claimed their maiden Women’s Big Bash League title after defeating the Perth Scorchers by eight wickets, sealing the final with authority. An unbeaten Lizelle Lee guided the chase, capping a dominant campaign in front of a home crowd.
Hurricanes secure historic WBBL breakthrough
Hobart Hurricanes completed a landmark moment by winning their first Women’s Big Bash League title on Saturday night. The victory came at Ninja Stadium, where the hosts controlled the final from the opening innings.
The Hurricanes had finished the regular season at the top of the table, earning direct qualification to the final. That consistent form translated into a composed performance when the pressure was highest.
Perth Scorchers entered the match seeking a second WBBL crown after navigating two finals matches. However, they were unable to match Hobart’s discipline across both innings.
Perth’s innings stalls despite early chances
After winning the toss, the Perth Scorchers elected to bat but struggled to build sustained momentum. The innings progressed unevenly, even as Hobart dropped several chances in the field.
Beth Mooney, the tournament’s leading run-scorer, was dropped three times during the power play. Despite those reprieves, scoring remained restrained against tight bowling and varied lengths.
Heather Graham bowls during the WBBL final, finishing with two key wickets for Hobart Hurricanes
Mooney was eventually bowled for 33 from 26 deliveries by Heather Graham in the 11th over. The dismissal shifted momentum further toward the Hurricanes.
Sophie Devine added 34 from 29 balls but found it difficult to accelerate. She was stumped in the 17th over, again by Graham, after briefly clearing the ropes.
Hurricanes’ bowlers keep Scorchers in check
Hobart’s bowling unit maintained pressure throughout the innings, preventing any late surge. Linsey Smith delivered an economical spell, finishing with two wickets for minimal runs.
Heather Graham complemented that effort with figures of 2-26, including the key wickets of Mooney and Devine. Her ability to break partnerships limited Perth’s options.
England’s Paige Scholfield remained unbeaten on 27 from 22 balls, offering some late resistance. Still, the Scorchers closed on 137 for five, a total below expectations for a final.
The Hurricanes’ bowlers adjusted well after fielding lapses, ensuring the missed chances did not prove costly.
Lizelle Lee sets the tone in the chase
Chasing 138, Hobart Hurricanes began assertively through Lizelle Lee and Danni Wyatt-Hodge. The opening stand raced to 49 without loss inside five overs.
Wyatt-Hodge was dismissed soon after, but Lee continued to control the tempo. She punished loose deliveries while rotating strike effectively against tighter bowling.
Lee reached her half-century from just 32 balls, striking cleanly across the ground. Her innings featured 10 fours and four sixes, keeping required rates firmly in Hobart’s favour.
The Women’s Big Bash League shared celebratory posts during the chase, reflecting the atmosphere as the Hurricanes closed in on the title.
Partnerships remove any remaining doubt
Nat Sciver-Brunt joined Lee and provided stability through a 77-run partnership. She contributed 35 from 27 balls, ensuring there was no opening for a collapse.
Sciver-Brunt’s dismissal offered brief hope for Perth, but the outcome was largely settled by that stage. Hobart remained well ahead of the required rate.
Nicola Carey struck the winning runs through the covers, sealing victory with five overs remaining. The Hurricanes finished on 141 for two from 15 overs.
The margin reflected the balance of the contest, with Hobart dominant across all phases.
Records fall as Hurricanes lift maiden trophy
Lizelle Lee’s unbeaten 77 became the highest individual score in a WBBL final. It also marked her best return of the season, delivered on the biggest stage.
The performance earned Lee the Player of the Final award, recognition shared widely across official league channels. Social media posts from the WBBL captured the celebrations on the field.
Hurricanes captain Elyse Villani described the moment as emotional and rewarding for the team. Players and supporters celebrated a long-awaited breakthrough for the franchise.
This title follows last season’s men’s BBL success for Hobart, completing a historic period for the club. With the win, Melbourne Stars remain the only team yet to claim a WBBL title.
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WBBL final reflects Hurricanes’ season-long control
The final mirrored Hobart Hurricanes’ broader campaign, defined by consistency and depth. Finishing first in the regular season provided a platform they used effectively.
Perth Scorchers showed resilience throughout the tournament but fell short against a composed opponent. Their pursuit of a second title ended with a disciplined Hurricanes display.
The 2025 WBBL final concluded with a new champion, marking the second consecutive season to crown a first-time winner. For Hobart, the result confirmed their place in league history.
