Elyse Villani signed off from the WBBL in storybook style, leading Hobart Hurricanes to their first-ever championship before announcing her retirement from the competition. The Hurricanes captain confirmed the final on Saturday was her last WBBL appearance after an emphatic eight-wicket win over Perth Scorchers at a packed Bellerive Oval.
The 36-year-old, a former Australia international with 99 international appearances, has featured in all 11 WBBL seasons, representing Scorchers, Stars and Hurricanes. After joining Hobart ahead of the 2022–23 season, Villani helped transform a struggling side into champions, completing a historic season that now sees the club holding both BBL and WBBL titles.
Villani admitted the decision had been on her mind throughout the season, but victory confirmed the timing was right. She will continue playing 50-over cricket for Tasmania and transition into an off-field role with the Hurricanes, bringing her leadership into the next chapter of the club’s journey.
On the field, Hurricanes were dominant as they restricted Perth to 137 for 5, before Lizelle Lee produced a match-winning masterclass, smashing an unbeaten 77 off 44 balls. Her aggressive knock, featuring 10 fours and four sixes, sealed the title in front of an electric home crowd.
While Scorchers coach Becky Grundy admitted her side was outplayed, she praised the team’s campaign and resilience in reaching the final. For Villani and Hobart Hurricanes, however, the night belonged to belief, legacy, and the perfect farewell.
