Tasmania to feature in four home WNCL matches WNCL, Blundstone Arena also to host blockbuster neutral clash

Tasmania’s female cricketers will get the chance to atone for a disappointing WBBL campaign in front of home fans with the WNCL fixture released. SEE THE TIGERS SCHEDULE >>

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HAVING been unable to play in front of home fans in the WBBL, Tasmania’s female cricketers will get the chance to make up for lost time in this summer’s 50-over competition.

Cricket Australia has released the WNCL fixture and the Tigers women will play four of their eight matches at Blundstone Arena.

The ground will also host a blockbuster clash on February 21 between reigning champions Western Australia and the powerhouse of women’s cricket NSW, who have won 20 of the 24 titles.

Belinda Vakarewa (3rd from left) celebrates a wicket with Tigers teammates in last season’s WNCL competition (AAP Image for Cricket Australia/Glenn Hunt)

Due to the impact of COVID-19 the entire women’s Big Bash competition was moved to a Sydney hub, where the Hurricanes picked up their third wooden spoon in four years after winning just three of their 14 matches.

Eager to atone for the disappointing tournament, players who are also part of the state squad will now not only get to play in familiar surroundings but also at the premier stadium in Tasmania.

The 25th edition of the WNCL will be played in four blocks starting, with matches from January 15-19, with the final to take place on March 27 at the home venue of the highest ranked team.

“After one of the most successful WBBL tournaments to date, there’s great anticipation ahead of the WNCL getting underway in January with Australia’s best local talent again on show,” Cricket Australia’s executive general manager, high performance Drew Ginn said.

WNCL: Tasmania's Nicola Carey batting in a match against Victoria at the TCA Ground Hobart: Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

“The WNCL provides our domestic players with the opportunity to continue their development and push for national selection which is especially crucial with a home Ashes and One-Day World Cup scheduled for next summer.

“It’s been really pleasing to have been able to deliver as much domestic cricket as we have so far this season and we’re equally committed to doing everything we can to complete all eight rounds of the WNCL.”

The Tigers finished second last in the competition last season with a 2-6 record, one season after narrowly missing out on the final for the first time in the state’s history.

TIGERS WNCL FIXTURE

Jan 15 v Victoria (Blundstone Arena, 10am)

Jan 17 v Queensland (Blundstone Arena, 10am)

Jan 25 v South Australia (Karen Rolton Oval, 10am)

Jan 27 v ACT (Karen Rolton Oval, 10am)

Feb 19 v Western Australia (Blundstone Arena, 10am)

Feb 23 v NSW (Blundstone Arena, 10am)

Mar 17 v ACT (Canberra, 10am)

Mar 19 v South Australia (Canberra, 10am)

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