Lee’s Brilliant 77 Powers Hobart Hurricanes to Maiden WBBL Title

Hobart Hurricanes claimed their first Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) title with a commanding eight-wicket victory over Perth Scorchers, headlined by a scintillating unbeaten 77 from Lizelle Lee in the final on Saturday night.

After strong bowling performances from Heather Graham and Linsey Smith restricted Perth to a modest 137 for 5, the Hurricanes chased down the target with ease, reaching 141 for 2 with five overs to spare in front of an enthusiastic home crowd.

Hurricanes, who finished top of the table at the end of the regular season, were not flawless in the field and spilled several chances. However, those lapses did little to alter the course of the match as their bowlers kept Perth in check. Graham finished with figures of 2 for 26, while English spinner Linsey Smith made a telling impact in a brief spell, claiming 2 for 8 from two overs.

Perth, who won the bat flip and chose to bat, struggled to build momentum despite some early fortune. Opener Beth Mooney was dropped three times during the powerplay before eventually being bowled by Graham for 33 off 26 balls. Scorchers captain Sophie Devine, also given a reprieve on 27, started cautiously before striking two sixes, but she too fell to Graham, stumped in the 17th over for 34.

In response, Lee wasted no time asserting dominance. She struck three boundaries in the opening over, one of which came after a dropped chance was parried over the rope. In a performance reminiscent of Hobart’s men’s side triumph in last season’s Big Bash League, Lee tore into the Scorchers attack, finishing with 10 fours and four sixes in a knock that became the highest individual score in a WBBL final and her best of the season.

Lee found solid support from Nat Sciver-Brunt, who scored 35 off 27 balls, with the pair adding 77 runs to effectively settle the chase. Perth legspinner Alana King, who had entered the final in good form, endured a difficult outing, conceding 25 runs from her two overs without taking a wicket.

Hurricanes’ comfortable win completed a dominant campaign. Having topped the league stage, they advanced directly to the final, while Perth Scorchers—seeking a second WBBL title—had fought through two finals to book their place in the decider. On the biggest stage, however, Hobart proved far too strong.

The victory marks Hurricanes’ maiden WBBL crown in the competition’s 11th season, adding to the club’s growing silverware after their men’s team lifted the BBL trophy last summer.