Match: 2nd Match, WBBL 2025
Date: Sunday, November 9, 2025
Time: 11:10 AM Local Time (1:40 AM GMT)
Venue: Allan Border Field, Brisbane
Toss: To be confirmed at venue
Match Preview
The Women’s Big Bash League kicks off its 11th season with an exciting triple-header, and Sydney Thunder will face Hobart Hurricanes in the second match at Allan Border Field in Brisbane. Both teams are eager to start their campaign on a winning note.
Sydney Thunder strengthened their squad this season by adding world-class internationals Shabnim Ismail and Chamari Athapaththu, while retaining experienced English star Heather Knight. The Thunder made it to the knockout stage last season and will be looking to go one step further this year.
Hobart Hurricanes, led by captain Elyse Villani, have assembled a strong squad featuring international stars like England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt and Danni Wyatt-Hodge alongside South African opener Lizelle Lee. The Hurricanes are still chasing their first WBBL title and will be determined to make this season count.
Expected Playing XIs
Sydney Thunder Women (Likely XI)
Source: Match preview sites – official XI to be confirmed at toss
- Georgia Voll
- Chamari Athapaththu
- Phoebe Litchfield (c)
- Heather Knight
- Anika Learoyd
- Laura Harris
- Sam Bates (wk)
- Hannah Darlington
- Taneale Peschel
- Shabnim Ismail
- Samantha Bates
Hobart Hurricanes Women (Likely XI)
Source: Match preview sites – official XI to be confirmed at toss
- Lizelle Lee (wk)
- Danni Wyatt-Hodge
- Elyse Villani (c)
- Nicola Carey
- Heather Graham
- Nat Sciver-Brunt
- Ruth Johnston
- Kathryn Bryce
- Lauren Smith
- Molly Strano
- Amy Smith
Note: Final playing XIs will be announced at the toss. Teams may make changes based on pitch conditions and team strategy.
Pitch and Weather Report
The pitch at Allan Border Field in Brisbane offers a good balance between bat and ball, making it an exciting venue for competitive cricket. Pitch conditions at Allan Border Field typically favor bowlers early on, with good bounce and carry aiding pacers and spinners as the game progresses.
Fast bowlers often get early assistance with a bit of seam and swing movement, especially under humid conditions. However, batting gets easier as the game progresses, and the surface tends to flatten out for stroke makers.
Weather Forecast: The weather at Allan Border Field, Brisbane, around match time is expected to be warm and humid, with temperatures hovering around 27–29°C. There is a slight chance of scattered showers or thunderstorms later in the evening, but the probability of heavy rain interrupting play is low.
Toss Factor: Teams winning the toss may prefer to bowl first to take advantage of early bowling conditions and chase under lights.
Players to Watch
| Role | Player | Team | Why Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Batter | Chamari Athapaththu | Sydney Thunder | Last season’s WBBL Player of the Tournament, explosive batter who can change games single-handedly |
| Batter | Georgia Voll | Sydney Thunder | Scored an explosive 97* last season, known for aggressive scoring style and consistency |
| Batter | Lizelle Lee | Hobart Hurricanes | Powerful South African opener, WBBL’s leading run-scorer with 399 runs |
| Batter | Elyse Villani (c) | Hobart Hurricanes | Hurricanes captain in excellent form, scored 292 runs last season with average of 43.57 |
| Bowler | Shabnim Ismail | Sydney Thunder | World-class South African pacer, new Thunder signing bringing pace and experience |
| Bowler | Hannah Darlington | Sydney Thunder | Consistent wicket-taker for Thunder, key to their bowling attack |
| All-rounder | Nat Sciver-Brunt | Hobart Hurricanes | English superstar, match-winner with both bat and ball |
| All-rounder | Heather Graham | Hobart Hurricanes | Hurricanes’ leading wicket-taker with 13 scalps, vital middle-order batter |
What to Expect
This opening-day clash promises to be a closely contested match between two evenly matched sides. Sydney Thunder’s addition of Ismail and Athapaththu gives them serious firepower, while Hobart Hurricanes boast depth in both batting and bowling.
The pitch at Allan Border Field should provide an entertaining contest. Early movement for seamers could test the top-order batters, while spinners might come into play during the middle overs. Expect a competitive total around 150-160 runs.
Both teams have strong batting lineups capable of chasing down targets, so the toss could play a crucial role. The team that handles pressure better in the powerplay and death overs will likely come out on top.
Prediction
While both teams have quality squads, Sydney Thunder’s balanced lineup and home conditions in Australia give them a slight edge. Their addition of match-winners like Athapaththu and Ismail, combined with the form of Georgia Voll and Phoebe Litchfield, makes them favorites.
Predicted Winner: Sydney Thunder Women (55-45)
However, Hobart Hurricanes cannot be underestimated. With experienced campaigners like Nat Sciver-Brunt, Lizelle Lee, and captain Elyse Villani, they have the firepower to upset any opponent on their day.
Live Streaming Information
Australia: Channel 7, 7Plus, Foxtel, Kayo Sports
India: Star Sports Network, JioHotstar
UK: Sky Sports Cricket