Cricket enthusiasts worldwide have witnessed the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) grow from strength to strength since its inception. The WBBL, Australia’s premier women’s domestic T20 cricket competition, has become a symbol of women’s cricketing excellence, featuring power-packed performances, record-breaking feats, and emerging talents.
In this article, we take a trip down memory lane to explore the champions, leading run-scorers, top wicket-takers, Players of the Tournament, and Young Gun award winners in the history of the WBBL.
2015–16 – Inaugural Triumph for Sydney Thunder In the maiden season of WBBL, Sydney Thunder Women emerged as the champions. Meg Lanning of Melbourne Stars Women (MLS) topped the run-scoring charts with a remarkable 560 runs, while Rene Farrell of Sydney Thunder (SYT) led the wicket-takers with 26 scalps. Meg Lanning was named the Player of the Tournament, and the Young Gun award went to Lauren Cheatle of Sydney Thunder.
2016–17 – Sydney Sixers Clinch the Title The second edition witnessed Sydney Sixers Women securing their maiden WBBL title. Meg Lanning continued her dominance with the bat, amassing 503 runs, while Sarah Aley of Sydney Sixers (SYS) was the leading wicket-taker with 28 wickets. Beth Mooney of Brisbane Heat (BRH) won the Player of the Tournament award, and Ashleigh Gardner of Sydney Sixers claimed the Young Gun award.
2017–18 – Sydney Sixers Retain the Crown Sydney Sixers demonstrated their supremacy once again, successfully defending their title. Ellyse Perry of Sydney Sixers (SYS) topped the run charts with 552 runs, while Katherine Brunt of Perth Scorchers (PRS) led the wicket-takers with 23 dismissals. Amy Satterthwaite of Melbourne Renegades Women (MLR) was named the Player of the Tournament, and Sophie Molineux, also of Melbourne Renegades, received the Young Gun award.
2018–19 – Brisbane Heat’s Triumph Brisbane Heat Women clinched their maiden WBBL title in a thrilling season. Ellyse Perry of Sydney Sixers (SYS) was the leading run-scorer with an astonishing 778 runs, and Heather Graham of Perth Scorchers (PRS) led the wicket-takers with 22 wickets. Ellyse Perry secured her second Player of the Tournament award, and the Young Gun award went to Georgia Wareham of Melbourne Renegades.
2019–20 – Brisbane Heat’s Domination Continues Brisbane Heat maintained their supremacy by securing back-to-back WBBL titles. Sophie Devine of Adelaide Strikers (ADS) topped the run-scoring charts with an impressive 769 runs, while Molly Strano of Melbourne Renegades (MLR) led the wicket-takers with 24 wickets. Sophie Devine also claimed the Player of the Tournament award, and the Young Gun honor was bestowed upon Hannah Darlington of Sydney Thunder (SYT).
2020–21 – Sydney Thunder Reign Supreme In the sixth season of WBBL, Sydney Thunder reigned supreme. Beth Mooney of Perth Scorchers (PRS) was the leading run-scorer with 551 runs, while Sammy-Jo Johnson of Sydney Thunder (SYT) was the top wicket-taker with 22 scalps. Sophie Devine of Perth Scorchers received her second Player of the Tournament award, and the Young Gun award was won by Darcie Brown of Adelaide Strikers (ADS).
2021–22 – Perth Scorchers Claim the Title Perth Scorchers Women secured the WBBL title in the seventh season. Beth Mooney of Perth Scorchers continued to dominate with the bat, accumulating 547 runs, and Amanda-Jade Wellington of Adelaide Strikers (ADS) led the wicket-takers with 23 dismissals. Harmanpreet Kaur of Melbourne Renegades (MLR) was named the Player of the Tournament, and Phoebe Litchfield of Sydney Thunder (SYT) received the Young Gun award.
2022–23 – Adelaide Strikers Triumph Once Again The eighth season of WBBL witnessed Adelaide Strikers Women reclaiming the title. Beth Mooney of Perth Scorchers (PRS) secured the Player of the Tournament award while accumulating 434 runs. Megan Schutt of Adelaide Strikers (ADS) led the wicket-takers with 27 scalps. Ashleigh Gardner of Sydney Sixers (SYS) was awarded the Young Gun honor, and the rising talent Tess Flintoff of Melbourne Stars (MLS) was recognized.
The Women’s Big Bash League has not only provided a platform for established stars to shine but has also been a breeding ground for future cricketing prodigies. With each season, the league showcases the evolution of women’s cricket and continues to captivate fans with its thrilling contests, remarkable performances, and emerging talents. As the WBBL journey unfolds, cricket aficionados eagerly await the excitement and excellence it brings to the world of cricket.