After claiming the inaugural Spring Challenge title in 2024, the Hobart Hurricanes returned to the T20 Spring Challenge as the team to beat. Their first match didn’t go as planned, taking on the Sydney Sixers at North Sydney Oval, where Nicola Carey (60 off 50) top scored. A clinical batting performance from the hosts led to the ‘Canes dropping their opening game of the tournament.
Bouncing back strongly, the Hurricanes defeated the Thunder in their second match. Molly Strano was the standout, claiming 4/9 to dismiss the Thunder for just 92 runs. Despite early wickets falling, Ruth Johnston (21) and Hayley Silver-Holmes (20 off 18) steadied the innings to secure victory in the 16th over.
Game three saw the Hurricanes take down the Stars by six wickets, restricting their total to 132. Chasing down the target with 10 balls remaining, Rachel Trenaman led the charge with a composed innings, aided by some Ruth Johnston fireworks at the top of the innings.
In what turned out to be a preview of the Spring Challenge Final, the Hurricanes recorded a convincing eight-wicket win over the Brisbane Heat. Callie Wilson led the attack with the ball, taking three wickets, while Nicola Carey and Elyse Villani guided the ‘Cane Train home with nearly five overs remaining.
Finishing the pool matches in first place proved to be a blessing for the squad, as their semi-final against the Perth Scorchers was abandoned due to rain, granting the Purple Army a direct path to the Spring Challenge Final.
Batting first in the final, the Hurricanes got off to a steady start with Lizelle Lee (26 off 15) and Nicola Carey (34 off 33) making solid contributions, before Captain Elyse Villani dominated the latter half of the innings. Villani’s explosive 61 off 29 balls, featuring 9 fours and 2 sixes, was ably supported by Tabatha Saville (26 off 15), helping the Hurricanes post a formidable 4/193.
In a well-rounded bowling performance, Callie Wilson (3/15) tore through the Heat’s line-up, with Lauren Smith, Molly Strano, and Hayley Silver-Holmes each claiming two wickets. Brisbane was bowled out for 105, sealing an emphatic 88-run victory for the Hurricanes. The Hobart Hurricanes were then presented with their second consecutive Spring Challenge title, going back-to-back and reaffirming their status as a powerhouse in domestic women’s T20 cricket.