Former Australia international Elyse Villani has brought her illustrious Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) career to a storybook close, captaining the Hobart Hurricanes to their maiden WBBL championship in front of a passionate home crowd at Bellerive Oval.
The Hurricanes sealed the title with a commanding eight-wicket victory over Perth Scorchers, completing a historic double after the club’s men’s team claimed the BBL trophy earlier this year. The win marked Villani’s final WBBL appearance, a decision she confirmed moments after lifting the trophy.
Villani Announces Retirement After Historic WBBL Triumph
At 36, Villani revealed the final had always been in the back of her mind as a possible farewell moment. With 99 international matches for Australia and appearances in all 11 WBBL seasons, her retirement ends one of the competition’s most enduring careers.
Calling the moment a “fairytale ending,” Villani said elite sport rarely offers such perfect timing. She admitted she was already leaning toward retirement before the match but knew instantly the decision was final once the Hurricanes secured the title.
Villani’s WBBL journey included stints with Perth Scorchers, Melbourne Stars, and Hobart, where she joined ahead of the 2022–23 season. At the time, the Hurricanes were struggling near the bottom of the table. Under her leadership, the club rebuilt its roster and enjoyed a remarkable campaign this season, losing just two matches.
Despite stepping away from the WBBL, Villani will continue playing 50-over cricket for Tasmania and transition into an off-field role with the Hurricanes, ensuring her influence on the game continues.
Lizelle Lee Stars as Hurricanes Complete Historic Double
The Hurricanes’ victory was built on a strong all-round performance. After restricting Perth Scorchers to 137 for 5, opener Lizelle Lee produced a breathtaking innings, smashing an unbeaten 77 off just 44 balls.
Lee’s aggressive knock featured 10 fours and four sixes, sealing the chase in style and sending the home crowd into celebration. She later admitted the magnitude of the moment had yet to fully sink in, staying true to her high-risk playing style.
The performance drew parallels to Mitch Owen’s explosive century at the same venue last season, which delivered Hobart their first men’s BBL title. With both trophies now secured, the Hurricanes have firmly established themselves as a powerhouse in Australian domestic cricket.
Despite the disappointment, Scorchers coach Becky Grundy praised her side’s journey to the final, acknowledging that Hobart were simply the better team on the day.
For Villani, the night marked the perfect ending to a career defined by resilience, leadership, and a lasting impact on women’s cricket in Australia.
