After a break since early October due to the Spring Challenge and WBBL|11, the Tasmanian Tigers return to Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) action tomorrow, facing the Queensland Fire at 10:30 am. The two sides will meet again on Tuesday in the second match of this round.
Tasmania enters this fixture in strong form, having won their past three games. They currently sit third on the WNCL table, trailing only Queensland and New South Wales by a narrow margin.
The Tigers’ squad features several changes from their last matches before the WBBL|11 break.
Nicola Carey and Lizelle Lee are unavailable due to their commitments in the Women’s Premier League in India, while Kathryn Bryce is also absent as she represents Scotland in the T20 World Cup Qualifiers in Nepal as they aim to qualify for this year’s World Cup in the United Kingdom.
Amy Smith remains sidelined as she continues rehabilitation for a lower leg injury that kept her out of WBBL|11. Updates on her return will be provided in due course.
Joining the squad for these matches are Ava Curtis, Sara Kennedy, Tabatha Saville, and Callie Wilson.
If selected, Saville and Wilson will make their first WNCL appearance of the season, while Curtis and Kennedy will make debut for the Tasmanian Tigers.
Additionally, Pathways Head Coach Andrew Gale joins the program as Female Program Batting Coach for the remainder of the 2025–26 WNCL season, replacing Graeme Beghin who has moved interstate.
Elyse Villani (C)
Ava Curtis
Maisy Gibson
Ruth Johnston
Sara Kennedy
Emma Manix-Geeves
Tabatha Saville
Hayley Silver-Holmes
Courtney Sippel
Lauren Smith
Naomi Stalenberg
Rachel Trenaman
Callie Wilson
Ins: Ava Curtis, Sara Kennedy, Tabatha Saville, Callie Wilson
Outs: Kathryn Bryce, Nicola Carey, Lizelle Lee, Amy Smith
MATCH DETAILS
Tasmanian Tigers vs Queensland Fire
Sunday 4 January 2026
Ninja Stadium, Bellerive
First ball: 10:30 am (AEDT)
Tasmanian Tigers vs Queensland Fire
Tuesday 6 January 2026
Ninja Stadium, Bellerive
First ball: 10:30 am (AEDT)
Broadcast: Kayo Sports & cricket.com.au