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WBBL match abandoned after ball rolled into pitch, creating hole
05 Dec 2025

The Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) match between Adelaide Strikers and Hobart Hurricanes was called off due to an unusual incident.

A cricket ball from a nearby fielding warm-up was accidentally rolled into the pitch by the heavy roller during the innings break, creating an irreparable hole.

As per ESPNcricinfo, the incident happened at Karen Rolton Oval while the pitch was being prepared in accordance with standard WBBL procedures.

Ball from warm-up session rolled into pitch
Incident details

The ball that created the hole came from a nearby fielding warm-up. It rolled under the heavy roller on the pitch and was pressed into its surface.

The weight of the roller embedded the ball deep, leaving a hole in its wake.

Strikers later explained on Instagram why their match had been abandoned due to this unfortunate incident.

Meanwhile, the official Women's Big Bash League X account also released a statement.

Officials deemed conditions unsuitable for play
Decision process

Strikers' statement read, "As a result, the pitch conditions were changed significantly."

After consulting with the match referee and umpires, it was decided that it would be unreasonable to expect Hurricanes to bat under conditions materially different from those experienced by Strikers.

Both team captains were consulted by officials who accepted this decision in light of the circumstances.

Hurricanes were chasing a target of 168 runs
Match status

Before the match was called off, Hurricanes were gearing up to chase Strikers's total of 167 runs for four wickets.

Madeline Penna had scored an unbeaten 63 off 51 balls for Strikers, while the Hurricanes's bowlers shared the wickets.

The cancelation of this match was another blow to Strikers's hopes of making it to the finals as it marked their third no-result this season.

Hurricanes lead the show; Strikers are placed sixth
Standings

Hobart Hurricanes lead the WBBL standings with 15 points from 10 games. They have won 7 and lost two (NR: 1).

On the other hand, Adelaide Strikers are placed sixth.

This was their 3rd no result affair this season. After nine matches, they own 9 points with their NRR being +0.097.

They are placed above the Sydney Thunder Women, who own 7 points from 9 matches.

Meanwhile, Brisbane Heat are 8th with 1 point from 9 games.