The championship decider saw fluctuating fortunes for both teams after Queensland posted a formidable total, only for rain to halt New South Wales’ confident chase. Following a two-hour delay due to drizzle and lightning, the target was revised, setting up a dramatic conclusion.
Rain Interrupts New South Wales’ Strong Chase
Chasing Queensland’s record final score of 7-332, New South Wales was in a strong position, having reached 1-129 after 23 overs, putting them ahead of the DLS par score when play was initially suspended. The lengthy interruption led to a revised target of 220 runs from 32 overs, meaning New South Wales needed 91 runs from the remaining nine overs upon resumption.
The New South Wales side started the post-resumption period aggressively, scoring 44 runs from the first four overs, with Tahlia Wilson and Katie Mack finding the boundaries with ease. This strong start appeared to tilt the match in their favour.
Jonassen’s Decisive Intervention
However, a crucial over from former captain Jess Jonassen dramatically shifted the momentum back towards Queensland. In the space of just four balls, both established batters were dismissed. Wilson, who had scored 76, attempted to take on Annie O’Neil’s arm at cover and was run out by a precise throw from Jonassen. Moments later, the experienced spinner lured Mack (27) into a false shot, which was safely caught by Grace Harris at long-on.
With New South Wales requiring 15 runs off the final over, Jonassen was entrusted with the ball. She successfully defended the target, preventing Georgia Adams and Maitlan Brown from finding the boundary and consigning New South Wales to only their second loss of the season.
Queensland Sets Record Total
Earlier in the day, when the sun was shining, Queensland had chosen to bat first and posted an imposing 7-332 from their 50 overs. This total marked the highest ever scored in a national domestic one-day final, setting a challenging target for New South Wales.
The record innings was built on superb centuries from captain Georgia Redmayne, who scored 105, and Grace Harris, who smashed 111. The pair formed a magnificent 192-run partnership for the third wicket, dominating the New South Wales bowling attack.
Harris displayed controlled hitting, expertly waiting for over-pitched deliveries before powerfully sending them straight down the ground. Redmayne played a supportive role, despite clearly being hindered by a strapped right arm, which she regularly ripped off the bat in discomfort.
As Redmayne raised her bat after 134 deliveries, she achieved a significant personal milestone, becoming the first player in the competition’s history to score four centuries in a single season. Her previous tons came against the ACT, Tasmania, and New South Wales during the home-and-away rounds.
Harris’s impactful century, an aggressive 111 off only 86 deliveries, included four massive sixes. Her performance earned her the Player of the Match award, with Captain Redmayne humorously acknowledging her contribution at the post-match press conference, stating, “It was really great to have you here today Grace, so thanks for not going to the West Indies.”
Other Notable Performances
After Harris’s dismissal by part-timer Georgia Adams, Lauren Winfield-Hill maintained Queensland’s scoring momentum with an enterprising half-century. She showcased her all-around batting skills, employing ramps, scoops, and reverse sweeps en route to an invaluable 55 from just 33 balls.
For New South Wales, captain Lauren Cheatle was the standout bowler, finishing with figures of 3-46. She made an impact with both the new ball, taking 1-19 in her opening spell including the wicket of Jonassen bowled, and at the death, adding two more wickets with support from veteran Sarah Coyte to prevent an even higher total.
New South Wales’ Initial Response and Healy’s Farewell
In response, and keenly aware of the impending weather, New South Wales openers Tahlia Wilson and Alyssa Healy initially took their time, scoring 18 runs from the first five overs. However, boundaries soon became regular, and they built a dominant 122-run opening stand before the weather intervened. Healy, playing in her final match, scored 64 from 63 balls, seeking her 11th title.
Had play not resumed after the lengthy break, New South Wales would have won by six runs on DLS, adding another layer of drama to the final outcome.
A Resilient Victory for Queensland
The triumph marked Queensland’s third appearance in the decider in recent seasons, having lost to Tasmania and New South Wales in the previous two finals. Captain Redmayne admitted she was “sick of making second-place speeches” while accepting the Ruth Preddey Cup. For Jonassen, the victory represented her first successful season after 101 matches for Queensland, capping a memorable performance in a hard-fought final.
