The ACT Meteors have vowed to come out swinging in their opening women's Twenty20 competition game against Tasmanian Roar at Manuka Oval today.
Meteors coach Martin Garoni promised the match between the two newcomers would produce fireworks.
''Our plan is to play an exciting brand of cricket,'' Garoni said.
''We want our girls to get out there and get on with it, set a big score if we bat first or chase their's down as quickly as we can to set ourselves up for the rest of the season.''
Today's match begins the expanded women's state cricket league, with the ACT admitted to the Womens National Cricket League and the inaugural Women's Twenty20 competition.
Tasmania will only compete in the Twenty20 competition.
ACT hosts the South Australian Scorpions at Manuka next week in the opening round of the WNCL afterplaying Tasmania today.
For Canberra captain Kris Britt, who returned to Canberra this year after several successful seasons with South Australia, it is hopefully the start of a new era of women's cricket in the ACT.
''I think that's the main thing we have to focus on,'' Britt said.
''This is creating a pathway for elite women's cricket in Canberra, that now they don't have to go interstate.''
Britt can't wait to play her first national league game for her home state and she said the pitch would play to the Meteors advantage.
''It's looking pretty good and I think it's looking like it will be a batters game, so I can't wait for that,'' Britt said.
Garoni said it was a difficult task deciding on the Meteors line-up, but he believed the ACT would field a well-balanced side.
The team has three born-and-bred Canberrans in Britt, Em Preston and Amy Jason-Jones, as well as several players based in Sydney who will strengthen their line-up such as Leonie Coleman, Laura Wright, Lisa Kuschert and Sara Hungerford.
Others such as Charlotte Anneveld and Leanne Davis, have moved to Canberra for the season.
''I think its an extremely well balanced team very confident all our players can both bat and bowl which is great,'' Garoni said.
''We'll be very strong in the field so I'm looking to a really polished performance.''
While Tasmania isnn't considered a serious title contender, quality players such as former Australian players Melanie Jones and Julie Price will make them a tricky opponent.
An invitation from Australian legend David Boon lured Jones out of retirement, while Price pulled on the gloves again to help the fledgling franchise.
Garoni expected the pair to be the biggest dangers.
''Obviously the likes of Mel Jones, who has played for Australia, she's an excellent player,'' Garoni said. ''Julie Price played at the highest level possible so they're both players to watch out for.''
But Britt expects the Meteors can beat Tasmania and be a contender in the Twenty20 and WNCL seasons.
''I think being the new team we are a bit of a dark horse,'' Britt said.
''No-one knows exactly what we will be capable of and I think we will throw a few surprises out there.
''It's not just one or two girls as well, I think all 12 girls in the team are there on merit and we are ready to show everyone what we can do.''
The WNCL Twenty20 final will be shown live on Fox Sports in January.
TODAY
Women's National Cricket League Twenty20 Round 1: ACT v Tasmania at Manuka Oval, 3pm. Entry is free.