Lizelle Lee produced a finals masterclass as Hobart Hurricanes clinched their first-ever Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) title, defeating Perth Scorchers in dominant fashion on Saturday night. The South African opener’s unbeaten 77 off 44 balls lit up the final and ensured a comfortable chase in front of a raucous home crowd.
Despite a sloppy effort in the field that saw multiple chances go down, Hurricanes did enough with the ball to limit the Scorchers to 137 for 5—a total that proved well below par on the night.
Hurricanes Overcome Fielding Lapses to Stay in Control
After winning the bat flip, Perth Scorchers chose to set a target but never truly gained momentum. Beth Mooney, in red-hot form coming into the final, was given three early reprieves during the powerplay. However, the Hurricanes eventually capitalised when Heather Graham clean-bowled the opener for 33 off 26 balls in the 11th over.
Graham continued her impact by removing Scorchers captain Sophie Devine, finishing with impressive figures of 2 for 26. Devine, who was also dropped on 27, showed glimpses of her power with a pair of sixes before being stumped late in the innings.
English spinner Linsey Smith played a crucial role despite bowling just two overs, conceding only eight runs while claiming two wickets, further tightening Hurricanes’ grip.
Lizelle Lee Sets the Final Alight
If Perth harboured any hopes of defending their total, Lizelle Lee crushed them within minutes. She struck three boundaries in the opening over, one of which came after a misfield at the rope, immediately seizing control of the chase.
Channeling the same fearless energy seen in Hobart’s men’s BBL triumph last season, Lee unleashed a stunning array of strokes, finishing with 10 fours and four sixes. Her innings was not only the highest score in a WBBL final but also her best performance of the season.
Lee found valuable support from Nat Sciver-Brunt, who chipped in with 35 off 27 balls, as the pair added 77 runs to all but settle the contest.
Scorchers Outmatched as Hurricanes Cruise Home
Perth’s bowling attack struggled to stem the flow of runs, with leg-spinner Alana King enduring an uncharacteristically expensive spell, conceding 25 runs from two overs without a wicket.
Hobart completed the chase with eight wickets in hand and five overs to spare, sealing a memorable night for the franchise. The triumph capped a dominant campaign for Hurricanes, who finished top of the league stage before carrying that form into the final.
A Landmark Moment for Hobart Hurricanes
This WBBL triumph marks Hobart Hurricanes’ first title in 11 seasons, adding to the club’s growing silverware after their men’s team lifted the BBL trophy last summer. For Perth Scorchers, who were chasing a second championship after battling through two knockout matches, the final proved a step too far.
For Hobart, though, it was a night to remember—powered by Lizelle Lee’s brilliance and a season defined by consistency and belief.
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