Which team is most likely to win the Women's National Cricket League?

Published - 27 Jan 2025, 05:33 PM | Updated - 27 Jan 2025, 11:36 PM

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The Women’s National Cricket League is the top female limited overs domestic competition in Australia. The 2024/25 season got underway in late September 2024 and is due to run until early March 2025.

It has been a superb season to watch so far, with plenty of tightly contested games and big scoring action. With the final batch of games coming up over the next few months, now seems to be the ideal time to look at which team seems to have the best chance to come out on top.

What can we take from the first part of the season?

A good place to start is looking at what’s happened in the 2024/25 season so far. This gives us an idea of which teams have done well and seem to have what it takes to win. South Australia, Queensland and New South Wales are riding high in the current standings, which demonstrates the fine start they’ve enjoyed. Reigning champions Tasmania might not have quite hit their stride yet, but they can’t be counted out either.

This is not just interesting for anyone figuring out which side might triumph eventually. It’s also useful information for cricket fans worldwide who like to bet on who might win this year’s Women’s National Cricket League. This is especially true for cricket lovers in Australia but also for Indian WNCL followers as well.

With cricket and betting both being huge across India, placing wagers on who might win competitions like this is common. The top Indian betting sites, such as bet365 and BetVictor, have casino games to play when you’ve finished betting. If you need more information on the best Indian iGaming sites to try, check out AskGambler’s list.

South Australia: The side most likely to win in 24/25?

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Although their last WNCL title was back in the 2015/16 season, South Australia looks to be in red hot form so far.

Courtney Webb could be a key player if they are to take the trophy this season and her exploits with the bat so far have been impressive. 67 from 62 balls in a five-wicket romp over Victoria showed how destructive she can be, as did the 110 from 113 balls she plundered against Victoria.

Amanda-Jade Wellington is another crucial player for Mick Delaney’s team thanks to her sensational right-arm leg spin bowling skills. 4/29 against Tasmania in a 40-run win earlier in the season shows what she can do and her wicket taking ability will be key to any title bid.

Jemma Barsby’s leadership is also worth a mention and her on-field experience will be crucial to any title hopes. A classy all-rounder, her switch-hitting abilities with the bat and cunning off-spin bowling should not be underestimated either.

Can Queensland upset the party?

If we’re talking about teams with real motivation to win the Women’s National Cricket League, last year’s runners up Queensland are in the frame. Losing out by six wickets to Tasmania will surely still hurt and means they’ll be eager to go one better this time around.

As with South Australia, Queensland started like a train and looks to be in great form. If they can keep this up and keep their key players fit, there is every chance they could win. This would clearly make the latest cricket headlines if it happened.

One player who’s vital to their cause is captain Jess Jonassen. Her ability to make the right on field calls and provide inspiration to teammates is something which could really help any title bid. In terms of playing talent, Jonassen’s crafty left-arm bowling not only helps slow other teams down but also keeps the wickets falling. Her 4/31 in late December 2024 against Australian Capital Territory shows how deadly she is.

The sheer amount of scoring power Queensland has in their batting line-up also explains why they might take the title this season. For instance, Lauren Winfield Hill knows where the boundary is, and Georgia Voll is also a fierce ball striker.

New South Wales might take it

New South Wales is one of the most iconic teams in the WNCL and has a rich history in the competition. They have started 24/25 very well and will be eager to maintain this form. This could propel them to their first championship since 2018/19 and usher in a new spell of dominance.

Their two upcoming games against South Australia could be pivotal in terms of them finishing in the top two spots to contest the final. Rising star Anika Learoyd needs to keep scoring for fun if the team are to do this and slow bowler Georgia Adams’ ability to outwit opposing batters will also be vital.

Will Tasmania have enough to turn things around?

Coming into this season’s competition, current champions Tasmania were expected by many to do it again. Already sitting on three consecutive titles, another one this year would make four on the bounce. While they have not started well, the chance to snatch a fourth title may encourage them to come roaring back before the tournament ends.

However, this is a long shot, as they are so far behind the top two teams right now. Although it’s mathematically possible for Tasmania to still make it into the final, South Australia and Queensland would need to really slip up.

The bright note for them is that their remaining matches are against underperforming Victoria and Australian Capital Territory, so they should pick up maximum points from each game to mount a comeback charge.

They also have their own elite level talent to help them get back in contention. Last year’s Player of the Final Nicola Carey remains dangerous with bat and ball, while Naomi Stalenberg has a range of strokes that allow her to score quickly.

Women’s National Cricket League 24/25: Who will win?

South Australia, Queensland and New South Wales seem to have genuine claims of challenging for the title, with Tasmania being an outside pick. It looks like one of these four will win and the run into the final will be a fascinating watch. If we had to make a prediction right now, it looks like South Australia to us.

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