Canberra is set to host its first Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) match in three years when Sydney Thunder hosts Melbourne Renegades at Manuka Oval on Tuesday 15 November   

The clash, which will begin at 7.10pm, marks the return of Australia’s premier women’s Twenty20 league to the capital given the previous two seasons were held in hubs. 

It will be the first match in Canberra since Thunder beat Melbourne Stars by 18 runs in November 2019.  

A full Weber WBBL fixture will be released on Thursday, and the match continues Thunder’s commitment to bringing home games to Canberra.

Cricket ACT CEO, Olivia Thornton, said the return of the WBBL to Canberra is an important moment for the region. 

“We’re rapt to have the WBBL back on our doorstep. With Cricket ACT marking its centenary this summer, it’s fantastic the return of the world’s best female Twenty20 league will be part of the celebrations,” Thornton said. 

Thunder star Tahlia Wilson said the squad looks forward to playing in front of their ACT-based fans in person again.  

“It will be great to get back to Canberra. It’s been a while since we played there but we had a great crowd, and we’re excited to get back amongst the Canberra fans,” Wilson said.  

“Obviously we’re used to seeing all the Sydney fans but to know we have another home in Canberra, that just brings another element for us when we get down there.” 

Thunder will be looking to turn the tables on the Renegades after the Melbourne outfit won both clashes in season 2021-22.   

The Renegades proved too strong by four runs at Mackay in November last year, despite a brilliant unbeaten 114 not out off 64 balls from India’s Smriti Mandhana.  

More marquee cricket fixtures slated for Manuka Oval will be announced by Cricket Australia at a later late, with Cricket ACT preparing to celebrate its centenary season.   

Tickets for this summer’s Thunder WBBL and BBL matches go on-sale to the public on Thursday 18 August 2pm.

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