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Teenager Lucy Hamilton created history in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) on Sunday, delivering a stunning performance to propel the Brisbane Heat to a commanding six-wicket victory over the Melbourne Stars. Skipping schoolies week to focus on cricket, the 18-year-old became the youngest player in WBBL history to claim a five-wicket haul, finishing with record-equalling figures of 5 for 8.
Hamilton’s Historic Spell
Hamilton’s figures rank as the equal-second best in WBBL history, alongside Amanda-Jade Wellington’s two 5-for-8 returns and behind Megan Schutt’s 6-for-19. Her spell dismantled the Stars, who were bowled out for 138 after a promising start.
The Bundaberg-born left-armer began her spell with a bang, removing both Annabel Sutherland (21) and Yastika Bhatia in her first over. She followed up by dismissing Meg Lanning (13), who edged a wide delivery to the keeper, and sent Tess Flintoff back with a sharp delivery caught at mid-off. Hamilton capped off her remarkable outing by trapping Deepti Sharma lbw to secure her five-wicket haul, becoming the first Heat bowler to achieve the feat in WBBL history.
“I can’t believe it,” Hamilton said post-match. “All my mates are at schoolies, and I’m here living the dream. Getting my first wicket and ending with five—it’s unreal. The girls were so supportive; it’s something I’ll never forget.”
Heat Chase with Ease
The Heat’s batters made light work of the chase, reaching the target with 15 balls to spare. Jemimah Rodrigues starred with a brilliant knock of 45 off 31 balls, featuring two sixes and five boundaries. She received excellent support from Charli Knott, who played a measured innings to guide the Heat home.
The win marks the Heat’s third consecutive victory, propelling them to third on the WBBL ladder. Meanwhile, the Stars’ season looks all but over, with just two wins from seven matches.
The Journey of a Rising Star
For Hamilton, Sunday’s performance was the culmination of months of hard work. Fresh from finishing her QCE exams, the teenager juggled cricket commitments with a five-hour commute from Bundaberg to Brisbane. Set to move to Brisbane soon, she is already a key member of Australia’s Under-19 team.
Hamilton credited her recent progress to focused training:
“I’ve been working on standing the seam up and swinging the ball back in. It’s all about having the confidence to execute it in games.”
What’s Next?
The Heat’s victory solidifies their place in the top four, while the Stars face an uphill battle to keep their season alive. With performances like Hamilton’s, the Brisbane Heat look set to challenge strongly for the WBBL title this year.
WBBL Bowling Records – Top Performances
- Megan Schutt: 6/19
- Amanda-Jade Wellington: 5/8 (twice)
- Lucy Hamilton: 5/8
Hamilton’s dazzling display is sure to inspire a new generation of cricketers and reinforce her potential as one of Australia’s rising stars in women’s cricket.
