The Hobart Hurricanes started their WBBL 2025 campaign with an exciting six-wicket win over Sydney Thunder at Allan Border Field in Brisbane on November 9, 2025. Chasing a strong target of 182 runs, the Hurricanes reached 182/4 in just 19.3 overs, thanks to powerful batting from Danni Wyatt-Hodge (90 runs) and Nicola Carey (58 not out). Earlier, Sydney Thunder posted 181/8 in their 20 overs, with Heather Knight scoring 39 and Chamari Athapaththu adding 32 runs.
Match Scorecard
| Team | Score | Overs | Wickets | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney Thunder Women | 181 | 20.0 | 8 | Lost by 6 wickets |
| Hobart Hurricanes Women | 182 | 19.3 | 4 | Won by 6 wickets |
Source: Official WBBL scorecard, November 9, 2025
Top Performers
| Player | Team | Role | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Danni Wyatt-Hodge | Hobart Hurricanes | Batter | 90 runs off 52 balls (9 fours, 3 sixes) |
| Nicola Carey | Hobart Hurricanes | All-rounder | 58* runs off 43 balls |
| Heather Knight | Sydney Thunder | All-rounder | 39 runs off 31 balls |
| Chamari Athapaththu | Sydney Thunder | All-rounder | 32 runs off 22 balls |
| Samantha Bates | Sydney Thunder | Bowler | 2 wickets for 39 runs |
| Shabnim Ismail | Hobart Hurricanes | Bowler | 2 wickets for 22 runs |
Key Moments
- Thunder’s Strong Start: Sydney Thunder got off to a good start with Tahlia Wilson (22) and Georgia Voll (15) putting on 55 runs for the first wicket
- Knight’s Counter-Attack: Heather Knight played aggressively, scoring 39 runs off just 31 balls with 5 fours and 6 sixes at a strike rate of 125.80
- Athapaththu’s Quick Fire: Chamari Athapaththu smashed 32 runs off 22 balls with 2 fours and 2 sixes to push Thunder to 181
- Wyatt-Hodge’s Masterclass: Danni Wyatt-Hodge dominated the chase with a brilliant 90 runs off 52 balls, hitting 9 fours and 3 sixes
- Early Setback: Hurricanes lost Lizelle Lee (13) early in the chase, but Wyatt-Hodge kept the run rate high
- Carey’s Match-Winning Innings: After Wyatt-Hodge fell for 90, Nicola Carey took charge with an unbeaten 58 to guide her team home
- Nervous Finish: Despite losing Heather Graham (8) in the 19th over, Carey stayed calm to finish the game with 3 balls remaining
Match Analysis
The Hobart Hurricanes showed great batting depth in this high-scoring match. Sydney Thunder set a challenging target of 182 runs, which looked difficult on paper. However, Danni Wyatt-Hodge’s explosive start changed the game completely. She scored at a strike rate of 173.07, putting pressure on the Thunder bowlers from the beginning.
When Wyatt-Hodge was dismissed in the 18th over after scoring 90 runs, the match could have turned either way. But Nicola Carey played a smart innings, mixing caution with aggression. Her unbeaten 58 off 43 balls showed great maturity under pressure. She hit 4 fours and 3 sixes, keeping the required run rate under control.
For Sydney Thunder, the bowling attack could not contain the Hurricanes batters. Samantha Bates picked up 2 wickets, but the other bowlers struggled to create pressure. The Thunder will need to improve their death bowling in future matches.
What’s Next?
Hobart Hurricanes: The Hurricanes will feel confident after this strong start to WBBL 2025. Their next match is against Sydney Sixers on November 13 at North Sydney Oval. With players like Wyatt-Hodge, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Carey in form, they look like serious title contenders.
Sydney Thunder: Despite the loss, Thunder showed they have a strong batting lineup. Captain Phoebe Litchfield will want her team to bounce back quickly. They will focus on tightening their bowling in the death overs. Thunder’s next challenge comes against their next opponent in the tournament.
This exciting start to WBBL 2025 promises more thrilling matches ahead as both teams continue their campaigns.