The Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) has established itself as the top draw in women’s T20 leagues. It has replicated the success of the men’s BBL, delivering some thrilling matches.
With the eight WBBL clubs boasting local and overseas talent, there has been a fierce contest to clinch the silverware.
Here we’ll look at the WBBL winners from 2015/16 to date.
WBBL Winners: Season by Season
| Season | Winner | Runner-Up |
|---|---|---|
| 2015/16 | Sydney Thunder | Sydney Sixers |
| 2016/17 | Sydney Sixers | Perth Scorchers |
| 2017/18 | Sydney Sixers | Perth Scorchers |
| 2018/19 | Brisbane Heat | Sydney Sixers |
| 2019/20 | Brisbane Heat | Adelaide Strikers |
| 2020/21 | Sydney Thunder | Melbourne Stars |
| 2021/22 | Perth Scorchers | Adelaide Strikers |
| 2022/23 | Adelaide Strikers | Sydney Sixers |
| 2023/24 | Adelaide Strikers | Brisbane Heat |
2015/16 | Sydney Thunder
The inaugural WBBL season witnessed the two Sydney-based teams take on each other in the final. The Sixers decided to bat first, but they mustered only 115 runs.
In response, the Thunder got off to a good start and were heading towards victory with the score being 100 for two. But then they lost five wickets in the next 13 runs, adding a twist to the game.
Thunder’s keeper Claire Koski held her nerve and took the team over the ropes, with three balls to spare. Thunder then lifted the maiden WBBL trophy.
2016/17 | Sydney Sixers
After losing the inaugural final by a whisker, Sydney Sixers bounced back in the second edition. They squared off against Perth Scorchers in the summit clash.
It was another low-scoring affair, with the Sixers managing 124 for five after being put in to bat first. This time, the Sixers defended their total by seven runs to claim their first title.
2017/18 | Sydney Sixers
It was a repeat of the previous season’s final in the 2017/18 edition, including the result. This time, the Scorchers elected to bat first.
But the Sixers wrapped them up for 99 runs, setting up an easy chase. They chased the target in 15 overs to win the trophy in consecutive seasons.
Sarah Coyte’s (3/17) excellent bowling and Alyssa Healy’s match-winning knock (41 off 32) were standout performances in the final.
2018/19 | Brisbane Head
The Sixers made it to their fourth consecutive WBBL final. But Brisbane Heat stopped their successful run in the 2018/19 season.
The Sixers opted to bat first and were struggling at 97 for five at the end of the 17th over. But a late flurry from Dane van Niekerk (32* off 15) pushed their total to 131.
In reply, the Heat didn’t have a good start, losing two wickets in three overs. But keeper Beth Mooney’s 65 off 46 helped Brisbane bag their first WBBL title.
2019/20 | Brisbane Heat
The Heat made it two in two, beating Adelaide Strikers in the 2019/20 final. They asked the Strikers to bat first after winning the toss.
Amanda Jade-Wellington’s 55 off 33 and Tahlia McGrath’s 33 off 20 powered the Strikers to a challenging total of 161. It was a tough target to chase, but Mooney scored an unbeaten 56 runs to hand the Heat their second trophy.
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2020/21 | Sydney Thunder
After missing the final berth in the last four seasons, the Thunder returned to reclaim the trophy. They were up against Melbourne Stars in the summit clash.
It was a one-sided affair, with the Thunder’s bowlers restricting the Stars to 86 for nine. Shabnim Ismail’s two early strikes were instrumental in the Thunder’s bowlers making the inroads.
The Thunder chased the target with ease to celebrate their second WBBL title triumph.
2021/22 | Perth Scorchers
Two of the previous runner-ups, Perth Scorchers and Adelaide Strikers, made it to yet another final. The Strikers asked the Scorchers to bat first.
The Scorchers managed to put up 146 runs on the scoreboard, with Marizanne Kapp’s (31 off 23) late charge proving crucial. In response, the Strikers had a poor start, losing two wickets.
Their captain Tahlia McGrath (36 off 29) and Madeline Penna (30* off 21) tried to put up a fight, but it wasn’t enough. The Scorchers won the match by 12 runs to lay their hands on the trophy.
2022/23 | Adelaide Strikers
Two-time champions Sydney Sixers qualified for the final along with last season’s runner-ups Adelaide Strikers. Keeping aside last year’s final defeat, the Strikers put up a good performance.
They posted 147 runs on the board, with Deandra Dottin contributing an unbeaten 52 from 37 balls. The total proved to be more than enough, as Dottin starred again with the ball, taking two wickets.
Darcie Brown also picked up two wickets, helping her team bowl out the Sixers for 137 runs. The Strikers etched their name on the trophy for the first time.
2023/24 | Adelaide Strikers
The Strikers again took on a two-time champion in the final, this time against Brisbane Heat. They chose to bat first but could muster 125 runs in 20 overs.
It seemed like a small target, but the Strikers Amanda Jede-Wellington put the Heat on the back foot. She picked up three wickets for 16 runs, helping the Strikers clinch the WBBL trophy in a row.
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