The Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) has been a cornerstone of women’s cricket since its inception in 2015. This WBBL winners list article explores the tournament’s history of champions, examining each season’s victors, memorable performances, and the evolving landscape of Australia’s premier women’s T20 competition.
We’ll also look ahead to the upcoming 2024-25 season and the teams vying for glory.
WBBL Champions Through The Years
The WBBL has seen remarkable competition over its nine seasons, with multiple teams etching their names in history. Here’s a complete breakdown of winners and runners-up:
| WBBL Edition | Winner | Runner-Up | Player Of The Tournament |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 (2015-16) | Sydney Thunder | Sydney Sixers | Meg Lanning |
| 02 (2016-17) | Sydney Sixers | Perth Scorchers | Beth Mooney |
| 03 (2017-18) | Sydney Sixers | Perth Scorchers | Amy Satterthwaite |
| 04 (2018-19) | Brisbane Heat | Sydney Sixers | Ellyse Perry |
| 05 (2019-20) | Brisbane Heat | Adelaide Strikers | Sophie Devine |
| 06 (2020-21) | Sydney Thunder | Melbourne Stars | Sophie Devine |
| 07 (2021-22) | Adelaide Strikers | Perth Scorchers | Harmanpreet Kaur |
| 08 (2022-23) | Adelaide Strikers | Sydney Sixers | Ashleigh Gardner |
| 09 (2023-24) | Adelaide Strikers | Brisbane Heat | Chamari Athapaththu |
Now, let’s take a look at the winners in every WBBL edition by year:
WBBL|01 (2015-16): Sydney Thunder
In the inaugural season, Sydney Thunder made history by defeating cross-town rivals Sydney Sixers in a thrilling final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Led by Alex Blackwell, the Thunder chased down the Sixers’ total with three wickets in hand, establishing themselves as the first-ever WBBL champions. Erin Osborne’s outstanding performance earned her the Player of the Final award.
WBBL|02 & 03 (2016-18): Sydney Sixers
The Sixers bounced back from their initial disappointment to claim back-to-back titles in the next two seasons. Their victories over Perth Scorchers in both finals showcased their dominance, with stars like Ellyse Perry and Alyssa Healy leading from the front. Sarah Aley’s remarkable bowling in WBBL|02 and Sarah Coyte’s match-winning spell in WBBL|03 were instrumental in their victories.
WBBL|04 & 05 (2018-20): Brisbane Heat
Brisbane Heat emerged as the next powerhouse, securing consecutive titles. Their first victory came against the Sixers at Drummoyne Oval, followed by a commanding win over the Adelaide Strikers at Allan Border Field. Beth Mooney’s consistent performances and Grace Harris’s explosive batting were crucial to their success.
WBBL|06 (2020-21): Sydney Thunder
Sydney Thunder reclaimed glory after five years, defeating Melbourne Stars in a dominant display at North Sydney Oval. Shabnim Ismail’s fierce bowling earned her Player of the Final honors as the Thunder secured their second title.
WBBL|07-09 (2021-24): Adelaide Strikers
The Adelaide Strikers have written themselves into WBBL folklore with an unprecedented three consecutive titles. Their remarkable run began with victory over Perth Scorchers, followed by wins against Sydney Sixers and Brisbane Heat. The Strikers’ success has been built on exceptional team performances and crucial contributions from players like Amanda-Jade Wellington and Tahlia McGrath.
WBBL 2024-25: Looking Ahead
The tenth season of WBBL 2024-25 promises another exciting chapter, with eight teams competing for the championship. The tournament kicks off on October 27, 2024, and concludes with the final on December 1, 2024.
Participating Teams And Key Players
Adelaide Strikers (Defending Champions)
- Key Players: Tahlia McGrath, Megan Schutt, Smriti Mandhana
Brisbane Heat
- Key Players: Jess Jonassen, Grace Harris, Jemimah Rodrigues
Hobart Hurricanes
- Key Players: Elyse Villani, Nicola Carey, Danni Wyatt
Melbourne Renegades
- Key Players: Sophie Molineux, Hayley Matthews, Alice Capsey
Melbourne Stars
- Key Players: Meg Lanning, Annabel Sutherland, Marizanne Kapp
Perth Scorchers
- Key Players: Sophie Devine, Amy Jones, Alana King
Sydney Sixers
- Key Players: Ellyse Perry, Alyssa Healy, Sophie Ecclestone
Sydney Thunder
- Key Players: Heather Knight, Chamari Athapaththu, Phoebe Litchfield
The tournament structure includes a double round-robin format followed by a finals series comprising the Knockout, Challenger, and Final matches. All teams will play 14 matches each during the regular season, with the top four progressing to the finals.
Conclusion: WBBL Winners List (2015-2024)
The WBBL has grown from strength to strength since its inception, producing memorable moments and establishing itself as the world’s premier women’s domestic cricket competition. The Adelaide Strikers’ recent dominance has set a new standard of excellence, while the constant evolution of teams and the emergence of new talent continue to enhance the tournament’s quality.
As we look forward to the 2024-25 season, the stage is set for another exciting chapter in WBBL history, with all eight teams ready to compete for cricket’s ultimate domestic honor in Australia.
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