Queensland has spoiled Alyssa Healy’s farewell to professional cricket, with the Fire winning their second WNCL title following Sunday’s rain-affected final against defending champions New South Wales in Sydney.
Tasked with chasing daunting 333-run target for victory in the tournament decider at Cricket Central, the Breakers got off to a promising start after wicketkeeper Tahlia Wilson and Healy combined for a 122-run opening partnership. Having recently announced her retirement from all forms of cricket, Healy’s 63-ball 64 would be her final knock in competitive cricket.
NSW was in a decent position at 1-129 in the 23rd over when rain disrupted the contest, with the target adjusted to 220 from 32 overs following a two-hour delay. Had play not resumed after the lengthy break, the Breakers would have been declared champions as they were ahead of the DLS target.
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But following a clutch over from veteran all-rounder Jess Jonassen, during which Wilson (76 from 82 balls) and player-of-the-tournament Katie Mack (27 from 21 balls) were dismissed within four deliveries, the Breakers could only manage 6-212, with Queensland securing a tense seven-run victory via DLS Method. Jonassen, who successfully defended 15 runs off the final over of the match, finished with figures of 2-39 from seven overs.
“How we started with the bat showed we were probably capable of chasing it down,” Wilson said after the match.
“But after we came off from the break we knew we had to go out there firing.
“We started well, but when you have to chase 10-an-over for nine overs after you’ve been on the sidelines for a few hours does make it tough.”
Queensland Fire celebrate victory. Photo by Robbie Stephenson/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
Earlier, the Fire posted 7-332, a record total in WNCL finals, following hundreds from captain Georgia Redmayne and the big-hitting Grace Harris, who combined for a 192-run partnership for the third wicket. Harris, later named player of the match, clobbered 11 boundaries and four sixes during her 94-ball 111, while Redmayne, the first WNCL cricketer to hit four centuries in a season, struck a stylish 105 from 138 balls.
Former England opener Lauren Winfield-Hill aided the cause with a 33-ball 55, while Breakers captain Lauren Cheatle was the pick of the bowlers with 3-46 from her ten overs, including the prized scalp of Jonassen during the Powerplay, bowled through the gate for 6.
Alyssa Healy of the Breakers is given a guard of honour by her teammates at the end of her last game. Photo by Robbie Stephenson/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
It marked the first time Queensland had won a WNCL title since 2021, while the Breakers lost possession of the coveted Ruth Preddey Cup despite winning ten consecutive matches during the regular season. Twelve months ago, NSW were crowned champions after defeating Queensland in the final in Brisbane.
“I’ve been playing 17 or 18 years for this team, and yes we’ve won a title but I wasn’t here for it,” Jonassen said after the match.
“So that’s the first one I’ve been here for. It’s very special, and definitely something I am going to savour.”
Healy, who made her Breakers debut 18 years ago, was seeking an 11th WNCL title.
“I love batting with her, it’s just so easy,” Wilson said of Healy.
“I’ve looked up to her since I was little, so now to be able to play with her and finish off her last innings with her, it’s pretty special to think about.”