From grassroots to glory: Impact of Women’s Big Bash League

Australian women’s teams are known for their dominance across the globe. Just like their men’s team, the women's team too believes in playing aggressive cricket. They have some really quality players like Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy etc. With huge experience and the kind of skill set they possess, these players know how to turn scales in their favor. We have seen a lot of times in the past as well, whenever the Australian team is about to lose a game, some or the other individual steps in and makes their side win. 

Last updated: October 7, 2026

One the reasons why the Australian team is so strong is because of the culture of sports in their country. Right from the domestic level, they have coaches who inculcate the right sporting mindset in them. Not only that, they get good quality matches at base level and that is when their preparations for senior level cricket start. One such tournament that has helped a lot in development of women’s cricket in Australia is Women’s Big Bash League. 

Today, in this article by ZAP cricket, we will discuss WBBL and how it has been a boon to the entire cricket fraternity in the country. 

What is WBBL?

The Women's Big Bash League is exactly like the Men’s Big Bash League. It is franchise cricket in Australia where the best players from the world are divided into eight city based franchises. The first edition was held in 2015-16, that is, four years after the start of BBL. 

The tournament kick started a renaissance. It changed the dimensions of the sport completely. More women started taking up cricket and the quality of skill also improved significantly. Before the tournament, Cricket Australia organized the Australian Women’s T20 Cup, but that didn't grab much of the public's attention. The money involved was also less. Later, when the WBBL was organized, the outlook of the game changed completely. In fact, this tournament played a major role in Australia’s success in the World Cups. 

In the previous editions, not all the games were televised, but now, as the tournament is gaining popularity, By WBBL 10, every match was televised, reflecting the competition's expanding broadcast reach. Broadcast and streaming arrangements vary by season and territory, so the official WBBL and Cricket Australia platforms are the best places to check current viewing options. 

Statistics and records- WBBL

Current champions- Hobart Hurricanes Women (2025)

Most successful- Sixers, Strikers, Heat, Thunder- 2 title each

Most runs- Beth Mooney (4,665 runs)

Most wickets- Jess Jonassen (165 wickets)

Highest score- Grace Harris- 136(59)*

Highest partnership- Alyssa Healy, Ellyse Perry 199* vs Melbourne Stars

Best bowling figures- Megan Schutt-6/19 (3.3 overs)

Most catches- Bridget Patterson- 52

Most dismissals- Alyssa Healy 93 (52 catches, 41 Stumpings)

Highest score- 242/4 by Sydney Sixers Women vs Melbourne Stars Women

Lowest score- 29 all out (9.3 overs) by Melbourne Stars Women against Adelaide Strikers Women

First hat-trick of WBBL- Nicole Bolton 

Most sixes- Sophie Devine (123) 

Teams in WBBL

WBBL Winners: 2015-16 to 2025

Melbourne Renegades won their first WBBL title in December 2024, beating Brisbane Heat by seven runs via DLS at the MCG. One year later, Hobart Hurricanes won their maiden title, defeating Perth Scorchers by eight wickets in the 2025 final.

Why the WBBL still matters

The WBBL remains one of the strongest women's franchise competitions because it gives Australian domestic players regular exposure alongside leading overseas cricketers. The league also creates a visible pathway from age-group and state cricket into elite professional cricket.

ZAP no longer keeps full season squad dumps on this page because those change quickly and become outdated. Current squads are better checked on the official WBBL competition pages.