Hurricanes claim first WBBL title

The Hobart Hurricanes have secured their maiden Women’s Big Bash League title with a commanding eight wicket win over the Perth Scorchers.  

An unbeaten 77 from 44 balls by opener Lizelle Lee proved the difference, as Hobart chased down Perth’s total of 5 for 137 with 30 balls to spare in front of a jubilant home crowd. 

Perth opener Beth Mooney looked set early, scoring 33 from 26 balls, but was dropped three times in the powerplay before being bowled by Heather Graham in the 11th over.  

Graham also removed Scorchers captain Sophie Devine later in the innings, finishing with figures of 2 for 26. 

Devine, who was dropped on 27, found some rhythm late with two sixes before being stumped in the 17th over.  

English spinner Linsey Smith delivered a crucial contribution, taking 2 for 4 from two economical overs. 

In reply, Lee set the tone immediately, striking three boundaries in the opening over. She went on to produce a dominant innings, finishing with 10 fours and four sixes in the highest score ever recorded in a WBBL final. 

Lee shared a decisive 77 run partnership with Nat Sciver Brunt, who added 35 from 27 balls, to put the result beyond doubt.  

The victory marks the Hurricanes’ first WBBL title in the competition’s 11 year history and follows the club’s men’s side breaking through for their maiden Big Bash League crown last season.