Highfield crowned 2026 Wigan Big Bash champions!

The culmination of the 2026 version of this prestigious tournament saw hosts Spring View, Highfield CC, Orrell Red Triangle CC and Norley Hall CC face off to decide the third winners of the competition which started in 2024.

Played throughout the day against the backdrop of a large, appreciative and knowledgeable crowd - as well as on a pitch and outfield tailor-made for an exciting brand of T20 cricket - the first semi-final saw a strong Highfield team overcome Finals newcomers Norley Hall by 84 runs.

Highfield batted first and made a large total of 203-4 from their 20 overs, South African player Thobile Hlatuka leading the way with a powerful unbeaten 100 from only 58 balls – Norley Hall will rue not taking one of the two they had to dismiss him earlier in his innings.

There was also some excellent T20 batting of a different kind – including reverse sweeps and ramp shots - from Maduma Lakmal in an exciting cameo of 32 from only 14 balls.

In reply, while a number of Norley Hall batters contributed, they never really threatened to keep up with the required run rate and were all out for 119 in 16.3 overs as scoreboard pressure told.

Ryan Wood top-scored with 39 for Norley Hall, while young 15-year-old bowler Daniel Purcell stood out for Highfield with figures of 3-17 and Hlatuka capped a fine all-round display with two wickets.

The second semi-final saw Orrell and Spring View compete for a place in the final.

Having won the toss and chosen to bowl first, Orrell soon took the wickets of the home teams key batters James Critchley, Nathan Ashford and Australian Max Bittner, and they restricted Spring View to a lower than expected total.

In reply, Orrell opening batters Kelan Florentine and Alfie Clarke took their side a long way to success with a large opening partnership, as they sauntered to a comfortable victory.

In the final, Orrell won the toss and elected to bowl first, and this looked a very wise decision as the key Highfield batters from the semi final - Hlatuka and Lakmal - were dismissed in quick succession by Arthur Moore, who showed impressive resilience to dismiss the former after being hit for two large sixes that went out of the ground.

At 73-5, Highfield looked to be in danger of not posting a competitive total. However, as champions sides do, Highfield showed their quality and strength in depth as they fought back impressively led by an unbeaten 44 from Australian Ethan McLachlan, 25 not out from Oliver Jump, and 27 from Jamie Darbyshire.

The Highfield innings finishing on a more than competitive 173-7 from 20 overs.

In reply, after both Clarke and Florentine were dismissed cheaply, the Orrell innings recovered well via Ben Mahoney (38) and 20 from Logan Pallett.

However, they were never really up with the required run rate as Highfield skipper Darbyshire used his bowling resources well.

Orrell were eventually all out for 106 in 17.5 overs, with McLachlan securing the player of the final award with 3-14 to back up his batting heroics.

There were also two wickets each for Darbyshire and Lakmal, while young Purcell again excelled with figures of 2-25 in his four-over spell.

Highfield were the deserved winners of the tournament having also been the strongest team in the group stage too, while Orrell emerged with great credit for continuing with their approach from the group stage of giving youth a chance.

Tournament creator and organiser Gary Hayes commented: “The 2026 tournament was a high quality affair that has really showcased the strength of cricket in the local area.

"We are very lucky to have so many excellent clubs on our doorstep. Congratulations to Highfield on their deserved victory and commiserations to Orrell who lost nothing in defeat.

"I must also thank Spring View CC for being amazing hosts and providing such brilliant facilities and delivering a well organised day as they celebrate their centenary year – a proud club that always ensures they provide a warm welcome.

"It would also be remiss to not thank Norley Hall for stepping in at short notice after Leigh’s withdrawal in order to ensure a full day of cricket for the local cricketing public – they acquitted themselves well.”