Hobart Hurricanes’ record-breaking chase of 174 against Brisbane Heat on Saturday marked a significant moment in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL). England batter Danni Wyatt-Hodge played a pivotal role in the victory, smashing 62 runs off just 35 deliveries.
Heat’s innings was anchored by Grace Harris’ 75, who opened the batting for Australia in the recent World Cup. However, Hurricanes’ bowlers managed to restrict Heat to a total of 173 for 5.
Wyatt-Hodge and fellow opener Lizelle Lee set the tone for Hurricanes’ chase with a blistering 55-run partnership in the opening six overs. Wyatt-Hodge continued to dominate the innings, hitting six fours and three sixes.
Despite losing Lee for 38, Wyatt-Hodge remained unfazed and rallied her team. She was eventually dismissed by legspinner Grace Parsons, but not before leaving Hurricanes with a manageable target of 33 runs from the final three overs.
Elyse Villani’s reverse-swept boundary in the final over sealed the victory for Hurricanes, who secured a seven-wicket win with two balls remaining.
Wyatt-Hodge’s performance earned her the player-of-the-match award, while Parsons’ economical spell of 1 for 15 kept Heat in the contest.
The victory ended Heat’s undefeated start to the WBBL season and marked a record-breaking day for Hurricanes. Their previous best WBBL chase came in October 2021, when they hauled in a target of 145 against Melbourne Stars.
