Women's Big Bash League 2020 Points Table, Results & Top Performers

The year 2020 was unlike any other. As the world stood still during the pandemic, sports had to adapt.

Among the most resilient competitions to push through was the Women’s Big Bash League 2020. The sixth edition of the WBBL was played inside a bio-secure Sydney bubble — no roaring crowds, no cross-country travel — just raw cricket.

But even without the fans, the players gave it their all. Rain washed out several fixtures, the pitches were unpredictable, but what emerged was a season where teamwork, strategy, and mental strength ruled. And at the centre of it all stood the Sydney Thunder — young, fearless, and eventually the champions.

Format Changes, Shorter Timeline, Same Intensity

Held entirely in New South Wales due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Big Bash League Women’s 2020 was a compressed version, running from 25 October to 28 November 2020. Despite the shortened format, it didn’t lack drama. Out of the 59 scheduled matches, 15 were affected by rain, testing not just players’ skills but their patience.

Sydney Thunder’s Stunning Upset and Road to Victory

Sydney Thunder, led by Rachael Haynes, were underdogs coming into the season. With a squad full of youth and only a few veterans, expectations were modest. But from the opening games, their bowling attack, especially Shabnim Ismail and Sammy-Jo Johnson, dominated. Their semifinal performance against the Brisbane Heat stunned everyone — the Heat were on a 7-match winning streak and the defending champions, but the Thunder choked them with disciplined bowling and tactical field placements. Then came the final.

WBBL 2020 Final: A Collapse and a Clinical Chase

In the final on 28 November 2020, played at North Sydney Oval, Sydney Thunder defeated Melbourne Stars by 7 wickets. The Stars had a horror show with the bat, managing only 86 runs in 20 overs, with Thunder chasing it down in just 13.4 overs. Ismail bowled with fire, taking 2 for 12, and was named Player of the Final. Melbourne Stars, led by Meg Lanning, had been the best team in the league stage, finishing at the top of the Women’s Big Bash League 2020 points table, but the pressure of the final overwhelmed them.

Player of the Final Match

In the WBBL 2020 Final, Shabnim Ismail was named Player of the Final for her electric bowling performance. She dismantled the Melbourne Stars’ top order with pace and precision, returning with figures of 2/12 in 4 overs. Her fiery opening spell set the tone as the Stars collapsed for just 86 runs. Ismail’s ability to swing the new ball at high speed rattled the opposition and showcased her world-class skill on the big stage. Her energy, control, and aggression lifted Sydney Thunder in the most crucial game of the tournament, sealing her match-winning impact in the title clash.

Women’s Big Bash League 2020 Points Table

Top Run Scorer of WBBL 2020

Beth Mooney topped the run charts in the Women’s Big Bash League 2020, scoring 551 runs in 14 matches for Perth Scorchers. Her calm presence at the crease and ability to anchor innings made her a consistent threat to every bowling attack. Mooney played crucial knocks under pressure, adapting well to different pitch conditions inside the Sydney bio-bubble. Her strike rotation, sharp boundaries, and experience in the T20 format were unmatched throughout the tournament. Even though Perth didn’t reach the final, Mooney’s performance stood tall and reaffirmed her status as one of the best batters in women’s cricket globally.

Top Wicket Taker of WBBL 2020

Sammy-Jo Johnson of Sydney Thunder emerged as the leading wicket-taker of WBBL 2020, claiming 22 wickets in 14 matches. Her pace, bounce, and aggressive length deliveries constantly troubled batters. Johnson’s knack for early breakthroughs and controlling the middle overs gave Thunder a distinct edge throughout the tournament. Her best came during clutch moments — including powerplay scalps in must-win games and consistent pressure even on batting-friendly tracks. Alongside Shabnim Ismail, she formed one of the most feared bowling duos in the league and was a driving force behind Sydney Thunder’s championship-winning campaign.

Player of the Tournament

Sophie Devine, captain of the Perth Scorchers, was awarded the Player of the Tournament in WBBL 2020. Despite not reaching the final, Devine consistently delivered with both bat and ball, scoring 460 runs and taking 9 wickets. Her fearless batting style, explosive stroke play, and leadership qualities inspired the Scorchers to the semi-finals. Devine’s all-round impact made her a match-winner on multiple occasions. She led from the front and remained a fan favourite for her charisma and intensity. Her ability to change games in a matter of overs made her the standout performer of the entire season.

Rain-Interrupted Fixtures and Their Impact on Results

The Women’s Big Bash League 2020 results showed how rain dictated momentum. Even though 15 matches ended in no results or with DLS-based outcomes, teams adapted. Backup plans were needed every day, but coaches and players found ways to compete fiercely. Even under limited conditions, the season featured super overs, last-ball thrillers, and breathtaking catches.

Rising Talents and Expanding Viewership

Off the field, the WBBL 2020 also saw a major leap in visibility and broadcasting. All matches were televised or streamed — a first for the women’s tournament — showing a strong commitment to growing women’s cricket. Broadcasters like Channel 7 and Fox Cricket gave equal screen time, and Cricket Australia pushed digital coverage aggressively. Fans responded with record streaming numbers, even without being in the stands.

Rising stars like Hannah Darlington, Phoebe Litchfield, and Tahlia McGrath used this exposure to launch themselves into national conversations. Their fearless style and confidence against experienced internationals added much-needed spark to the league.

Conclusion: What Comes Next?

In conclusion, the Women’s Big Bash League 2020 wasn’t just another season — it was a testament to resilience, adaptability, and belief in the face of global uncertainty. Sydney Thunder’s triumph, the rise of young guns, and the growing fanbase all made 2020 unforgettable. As we look forward to future editions, one question lingers — can the momentum built in a pandemic year fuel an even brighter era for women’s T20 cricket?