PERTH — In a display of power and precision that will be remembered for years to come, the Hobart Hurricanes have been crowned champions of the Women’s Big Bash League for the first time in their history, dismantling the Perth Scorchers by eight wickets in a one-sided final at the WACA Ground.
Led by a majestic, unbeaten 77 from South African superstar Lizelle Lee, the Hurricanes chased down a modest target of 147 with a staggering 31 balls to spare, capping a dominant finals campaign that saw them defeat the two top-ranked teams, the Sydney Sixers and then the Scorchers, in emphatic fashion. The victory marks the culmination of a nine-year journey for the Hurricanes franchise, finally lifting the trophy after years of near misses.
A Dream Start and a Devastating Spell
The tone for the final was set in the very first over. Scorchers captain Sophie Devine, one of the most destructive batters in the world, was dismissed for a golden duck, trapped lbw by a sharp inswinger from Hurricanes’ veteran speedster Shabnim Ismail. The roar from the travelling Hurricanes contingent was deafening, and the Scorchers’ innings never truly recovered from that early blow.
The real architect of the Scorchers' downfall, however, was leg-spinner Molly Strano. In a masterclass of controlled, aggressive bowling, Strano ripped through the Scorchers' middle order, finishing with remarkable figures of 4 for 20 from her four overs. Her victims included the dangerous Beth Mooney (29), who was stumped after being drawn down the wicket, and the in-form Chloe Piparo. Strano’s performance was a testament to her experience and guile, exploiting the conditions perfectly to strangle the Scorchers’ momentum. Key moments from the Scorchers' innings included:
- Sophie Devine's first-ball dismissal, setting a tone of panic.
- Molly Strano's double-wicket over, removing Piparo and Amy Jones in quick succession.
- Critical run-outs of Alana King and Piepa Cleary, highlighting Hurricanes' sharp fielding.
Despite a fighting 31 from Nat Sciver-Brunt, the Scorchers could only muster 146 for 9 from their 20 overs. It was a total that felt at least 20 runs below par on a good WACA surface, a deficit largely attributed to the relentless pressure applied by the Hurricanes’ bowlers and fielders. Captain Elyse Villani summed up the innings succinctly: "We lost wickets at key times and just couldn't get that partnership going to launch us to a competitive total."
The Lizelle Lee Show
Any lingering doubts about the chase were extinguished within the powerplay. Lizelle Lee, who had been relatively quiet in the lead-up finals, chose the grandest stage to produce her most commanding knock of the season. From the outset, she was brutal on anything short or wide, peppering the boundary with her signature power. Her opening partner, Villani, played the perfect foil, rotating the strike and allowing Lee to dominate.
Lee’s half-century came off just 33 balls, a whirlwind of clean hitting that included 11 fours and a towering six. She was particularly severe on the Scorchers’ pace attack, but also showed deft touch against the spin of Alana King and Lilly Mills. The Scorchers’ bowlers had no answer; their lines were attacked, their lengths punished. The match was effectively won by the 10-over mark, with the Hurricanes racing to 98 without loss.
Villani fell for a well-made 31, and Heather Graham was dismissed cheaply, but it merely delayed the inevitable. Lee marched on, unfazed, bringing up the winning runs with another thunderous boundary. Her 77* came from just 59 deliveries, an innings of pure dominance that earned her the Player of the Final award. Reflecting on her performance, Lee said, "I just wanted to be there at the end. I knew if I could bat through, we would win. It's an incredible feeling to contribute to the team's first title."
A Long-Awaited Triumph
For the Hobart Hurricanes, this victory is the sweetest redemption. They had reached the final once before, in 2017-18, only to fall short. In the seasons since, they had built competitive squads but had often stumbled at the crucial moment. This season, under the calm leadership of Elyse Villani and with a perfectly balanced squad featuring world-class internationals and hardened domestic stars, they finally broke through.
The contributions were widespread throughout the season: Nicola Carey’s all-round consistency, the explosive batting of Heather Graham, the youth and energy of Ruth Johnston, and the death-bowling expertise of Maisy Gibson. But on finals day, it was the old heads – Strano with the ball and Lee with the bat – who steered them to glory. Villani, holding the trophy aloft, was emotional: "This is for everyone who has been part of the Hurricanes family for the last nine years. The players, the staff, the fans back in Tassie. We did it!"
What This Means for the WBBL
The Hurricanes’ victory is a significant moment for the WBBL, proving the depth and competitiveness of the league. A fifth different champion in nine seasons demonstrates the parity and unpredictability that makes the tournament so compelling. It also underscores the importance of strategic recruitment; the signings of Lizelle Lee and Shabnim Ismail provided the X-factor that turned a good team into a great one.
For the Perth Scorchers, it was a heartbreaking end to an otherwise superb season where they finished as minor premiers. The pressure of a home final and the early loss of Devine proved too heavy a burden. They will rue their batting performance but can take solace in another consistently excellent campaign that has cemented their status as a WBBL powerhouse.
As the celebrations begin for the Hurricanes, the legacy of this win is clear. They have not only claimed their maiden title but have done so in a manner that announces them as a force to be reckoned with. The image of Lizelle Lee, bat raised, and Molly Strano, beaming with joy, will forever be etched in WBBL history as the moment the Hurricanes’ long wait finally, gloriously, came to an end.