Hobart Hurricanes produced a dominant performance to claim their maiden Women’s Big Bash League title, crushing Perth Scorchers by eight wickets in the final at Hobart’s Ninja Stadium on Friday. A blistering unbeaten knock from Lizelle Lee ensured a one-sided contest as the Hurricanes finally broke new ground after years of near misses.
Chasing a modest target of 138, the Hurricanes reached 141-2 in just 15 overs, sealing the championship with five overs to spare. The victory was especially significant for the franchise, which had never reached a WBBL final before this season.
Lee Leads Ruthless Run Chase
Lizelle Lee was the undisputed star of the final, hammering an unbeaten 77 from 44 balls in a breathtaking display of power and timing. The opener struck 10 fours and four sixes, dismantling the Scorchers’ bowling attack and ensuring there was no late drama in the chase.
England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt played a composed supporting role, contributing 35 off 27 balls as she and Lee shared a decisive 77-run partnership. Although Sciver-Brunt was dismissed picking out mid-wicket, Nicola Carey calmly finished the job, driving through the covers for the winning runs.
Earlier, Lee and Danni Wyatt-Hodge set the tone with a rapid start, racing to 49 without loss inside five overs. Even after Wyatt-Hodge’s dismissal, Lee shifted gears and took the game firmly away from Perth.
Scorchers Struggle to Build Momentum
After winning the toss and choosing to bat, Perth Scorchers never fully found their rhythm. Despite a steady start, regular wickets stalled their innings, and they were restricted to 137-5 from 20 overs. England spinner Linsey Smith was outstanding, returning figures of 2-8 and applying relentless pressure through the middle overs.
Captain Sophie Devine top-scored with 34, while Beth Mooney made 33, but neither was able to convert their starts into a match-defining innings. Late runs from Paige Scholfield, who finished unbeaten on 27, offered some resistance, yet the total always looked below par on a good batting surface.
A Fairytale Ending for Hobart
Hurricanes captain Elyse Villani described the triumph as emotional and “magical”, praising the collective effort behind the team’s breakthrough season. Finishing top of the league table, Hobart carried their momentum into the final and delivered when it mattered most.
The win makes Hobart Hurricanes the second consecutive first-time WBBL champions, following Melbourne Renegades’ title last year, and leaves Melbourne Stars as the only franchise yet to lift the trophy.
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