In an impressive display of batting prowess, Nicola Carey guided Tasmania to a historic third consecutive Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) title with an unbeaten century, propelling them to a six-wicket victory over Queensland in the final.
Chasing a target of 249 set by Queensland, Carey played a composed innings, scoring 111 runs from 135 balls. Her remarkable performance allowed Tasmania to secure the win with 14 balls to spare at Blundstone Arena. Tasmania, once considered perennial battlers in the 50-over competition, clinched their first WNCL title in 2022 and have now achieved a rare hat-trick of titles.
Carey, who made the decision to forego a national contract in April to focus on revitalizing her game with a full winter at home, has reaped the rewards of her strategy. Not picked for Australia since December 2022, Carey emerged as the top run-scorer in this summer’s WNCL, accumulating a total of 696 runs at an impressive average of 69.6, second only to Meg Lanning this season.
Throughout her innings against Queensland, Carey displayed excellent shot selection, with powerful pulls and well-executed reverse sweeps. She reached her century off 128 balls, forming a crucial 132-run partnership with Heather Graham (63 off 75) that played a pivotal role in turning the match in Tasmania’s favor.
Queensland had a brief opportunity when Graham was dismissed and Naomi Stalenberg fell for a duck in quick succession. However, Carey, along with Emma Manix-Geeves, ensured there were no late hiccups, steering Tasmania to a historic victory.
Expressing her relief after the match, Carey acknowledged the support of her teammates, particularly Heather Graham. Graham, who also contributed with the ball by taking 3 for 39, played a vital role in restricting Queensland from setting an unattainable target.
Tasmania’s triumph marks them as the second state to achieve a hat-trick of titles in the WNCL, following New South Wales, which secured 10 consecutive titles between 2005-06 and 2014-15.
