In an unforgettable Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) final, the Hobart Hurricanes triumphed over the Perth Scorchers to secure their first-ever WBBL title. The final, held at Hobart’s Ninja Stadium on December 13, 2025, saw the Hurricanes dominate the Scorchers with a comprehensive eight-wicket victory, with Lizelle Lee playing a starring role in the chase. Her explosive knock of 77* off 44 balls steered the Hurricanes to their historic win, marking a significant moment in the WBBL’s 11th season.
Chasing a target of 138, Lizelle Lee was the standout performer for the Hobart Hurricanes, leading the charge with a breathtaking unbeaten 77. Her innings included 10 boundaries and four sixes, achieving a strike rate of 175. Lee’s aggressive batting set the tone for the chase, as she took the game to the Scorchers’ bowlers, especially during the powerplay.
Lee’s partnership with England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt, who contributed 35 runs off 27 balls, proved crucial in stabilizing the innings. The duo added 77 runs for the second wicket, bringing the Hurricanes within striking distance of victory. With the match under control, Nicola Carey sealed the win with a boundary, taking the Hurricanes home with 30 balls to spare.
Earlier in the match, the Scorchers had elected to bat after winning the toss but struggled to get their innings off the ground. Despite some early aggression from openers Katie Mack and Beth Mooney, who shared a 36-run partnership, the Scorchers could only post 137-5 in their 20 overs. The Hurricanes’ bowlers were on top, with Linsey Smith (2-8) and Heather Graham (2-26) delivering key breakthroughs.
Beth Mooney, one of the top run-scorers of the tournament, was dropped three times in the first few overs but failed to capitalize on those chances, eventually being bowled for 33 off 26 balls. Sophie Devine, the Scorchers’ captain, also made a valuable 34, but the rest of the batting lineup faltered. The Scorchers’ total was well below par, and it was evident that they would need a near-perfect bowling performance to defend their target.
Lizelle Lee Dominates the Chase
The Hurricanes’ response was led by Lizelle Lee, who dominated the Scorchers’ bowlers from the start. She raced to her fifty in just 32 balls, including a massive six over mid-wicket. Lee’s onslaught left the Scorchers struggling to contain her, as she dispatched the ball to all parts of the ground. Her innings was not only the highest score in the final but also the best of her WBBL season.
The Hurricanes’ chase was further bolstered by contributions from Sciver-Brunt and Wyatt-Hodge. Sciver-Brunt’s 35 runs off 27 balls provided solid support to Lee, while Wyatt-Hodge contributed 16 runs. The Scorchers’ bowlers, particularly leg-spinner Alana King, who was expected to play a key role, were unable to stop the Hurricanes’ charge. King finished with disappointing figures of 0-25 from two overs.
Hobart’s victory was sealed with ease in just 15 overs, much to the delight of their home crowd. The Hurricanes’ dominant performance was a fitting culmination of their season, having finished atop the WBBL table and earned a direct path to the final. This victory marks the Hurricanes’ first WBBL title and adds a new chapter to the club’s history.
After the match, Hurricanes’ captain Elyse Villani, who had announced that the final would be her last tournament, expressed her emotions: “I’m so proud of everyone involved and pleased for everyone in Tasmania. It’s extra special. This is all I’ve dreamt of.” Villani’s emotional farewell added another layer of significance to the win, as she closed out her career with a fairytale ending.
Key Performers in the Final
- Lizelle Lee: 77* off 44 balls (10 fours, 4 sixes), leading the chase with a strike rate of 175.
- Nat Sciver-Brunt: 35 off 27 balls, providing crucial support in the middle order.
- Linsey Smith: 2-8, delivering an outstanding bowling performance to restrict the Scorchers.
- Heather Graham: 2-26, also playing a vital role in limiting the Scorchers’ total.
Hobart Hurricanes’ historic win in the 2025 WBBL final, powered by Lizelle Lee’s sensational 77*, will go down as one of the most memorable moments in the league’s history. The victory not only marked the franchise’s first-ever WBBL title but also highlighted the incredible talent and team spirit that the Hurricanes displayed throughout the tournament. Lizelle Lee’s match-winning performance ensured the Hurricanes’ dominance, and with their first trophy in hand, they have truly cemented their place in WBBL history.
FAQs
1. Who was the standout player in the 2025 WBBL final?
Lizelle Lee was the standout player, scoring an unbeaten 77* off 44 balls to guide Hobart Hurricanes to their first WBBL title.
2. How did the Hurricanes secure their first WBBL title?
The Hurricanes chased down a target of 138 with ease, reaching 141-2 in just 15 overs. Lizelle Lee’s brilliant knock was key to their eight-wicket victory.
3. What was the final score of the Perth Scorchers?
The Scorchers posted a total of 137-5 in their 20 overs, which the Hurricanes comfortably surpassed with 30 balls to spare.
4. Who took the key wickets for the Hurricanes?
Linsey Smith and Heather Graham were the key bowlers, taking 2 wickets each and limiting the Scorchers’ scoring.
5. Who were the other key contributors in the Hurricanes’ win?
Apart from Lizelle Lee, Nat Sciver-Brunt (35 runs) and Danni Wyatt-Hodge (16 runs) played significant roles in the chase. Linsey Smith’s 2-8 was also a game-changing performance.