As the ACT Meteors wrap up their opening two matches of the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) 50-over season, the attention now turns to the fast-paced and high-impact T20 Spring Challenge. A competition that offers the squad a welcome chance to showcase their flair in the games shortest format.
With the T20 Spring Challenge slotted in between rounds of the WNCL and the start of the WBBL, it’s a quick but crucial format shift for the Meteors – one that comes with opportunity, excitement, and added visibility. For Captain Carly Leeson, it’s also a return to the place where she got her first taste of leadership last year, and where she impressed enough to earn a WBBL contract last season and now the official captaincy of the ACT Meteors for the 2025/26 season.
The Meteors coaching staff and players alike see the Spring challenge not as a disruption, but a platform. Coach Vusi Sibanda believes the transition from 50-over format to T20 will only benefit the players, especially the more expressive types.
“It is a quick turnaround from 50-over format to 20-over format,” Sibanda said.
“But having said that, I think it’ll be good for us in terms of just expressing ourselves. We do have destructive players that like to free themselves, and I reckon it’ll be a good platform for them to just go out there and express their skillsets.”
With little time to adjust, the challenge becomes more mental than physical. And the Meteors are up for it.
“It’s just a matter of changing the mindset. We don’t have time so now this is time to express ourselves a little bit more” Sibanda added.
Last season’s Spring Challenge saw the Meteors finish mid-table, but the campaign was more valuable than the results alone. It was a confidence boost and a learning curve, especially for a squad that doesn’t get many local T20 opportunities.
“Last season we went there with not a lot of expectations... They did pretty well,” said Sibanda.
“It was a massive confidence booster... just go out there with a really positive mindset.”
The Spring Challenge also plays a role in talent identification and professional exposure, particularly with the WBBL scouting on full alert.
“Our girls don’t get to play T20 locally, unless they are actually playing in the men’s T20 comp. In my opinion, it is such a good experience for them to go out there and put their name forward” Sibanda explained.
One of those names already making waves is Olivia Porter – a powerful top-order batter with an explosive style suited to the T20 arena. Porter is no stranger to pressure and believes the condensed competition actually plays to the team’s advantage.
“You don’t have time to think about it or dwell on it or get nervous. I think the girls are really excited to just get straight into it,” said Porter.
Having been praised by coaches and teammates as one to watch this Spring Challenge, Porter remains focused on the team-first mentality.
“It’s really nice to hear those sorts of accolades by your captain and your coach,” she said.
“But what’s really important is the way that I play is based on how the team goes as well... I think what I’m really excited for is everyone chipping in and getting that team win.”
Porter’s own cricketing inspirations stem from watching dynamic T20 players like David Warner, and she sees the Spring Challenge as a vital stepping stone toward more Big Bash opportunities.
“The girls want to strive to get a Big Bash experience... That’s something we’re driving towards. The front of our minds is to get as many wins as we can and to get into the finals” Porter told Cricket ACT.
Porter is also excited about the balance and depth of this Meteors squad heading into the Spring challenge. She pointed to emerging players like Paris Bowdler, known for her big-hitting abilities, as one to watch.
“Paris Bowdler… she is known for a big six hitter. I’m excited to see how she goes and how she takes on the game” Porter said.
Spin will also play a key role in the T20 format, with Grace Dignam and Carly Leeson providing variety and control.
“I think her [Grace’s] spin is so important for us. And probably seeing Carly’s leg spin in the T20 space would be really cool,” said Porter.
As the Meteors head into this next challenge there’s a clear sense of belief, excitement, and unfinished business. For many, it’s about seizing the moment – not only to get wins but make a statement.
“We do have the talent; we do have the skillset that does suit the T20 format,” Sibanda concluded.
“Who gets the basics right on the day will most likely win the game—that’s T20 for you.”
T20 Spring Challenge Squad:
- Paris Bowdler
- Rachel Carroll
- Zoe Cooke
- Grace Dignam
- Holly Ferling
- Angie Genford
- Amy Hunter
- Carly Leeson
- Grace Lyons
- Shivani Mehta
- Olivia Porter
- Gabby Sutcliffe
- Annie Wikman
Game 1 v Sydney Thunder - October 21 @ North Sydney Oval
Game 2 v Adelaide Strikers - October 23 @ Blacktown International Sports Park
Game 3 v Perth Scorchers - October 26 @ Drummoyne Oval
Game 4 v Melbourne Renegades - October 27 @ Blacktown International Sports Park