In an impressive start to their WBBL campaign, Perth Scorchers cruised to a nine-wicket victory over Melbourne Renegades. Despite Renegades’ efforts to recover from a precarious 20 for 4 to a reasonably respectable 136 for 6 at Perth’s WACA Ground on Saturday night, it was insufficient as the Scorchers completed their chase with a comfortable 39 balls to spare.
The Renegades’ top order experienced a swift collapse, losing four wickets for just five runs in 14 deliveries. Scorchers’ Chloe Ainsworth, taking 2 for 22, and WBBL debutant Fatima Sana of Pakistan, claiming 2 for 27, were instrumental during the powerplay. Star batters Hayley Matthews (7), Sophie Molineux (1), and Courtney Webb (6) were all back in the pavilion in an unfortunate eight-ball stretch. Alana King made an immediate impact by dismissing Tess Flintoff (2) with her first ball. Georgia Wareham (62) and Nicole Faltum (48), however, managed to escape a complete batting collapse by setting a club record fifth-wicket stand of 109.
During the Scorchers’ innings, Katie Mack departed early for nine, but captain Beth Mooney (58) and former captain Sophie Devine (47) breezed through the target. Devine rounded off the innings with flair, smashing Wareham for consecutive sixes to seal the match.
In a different setting at the Karen Rolton Oval, Adelaide Strikers started their WBBL journey with a 21-run triumph over Melbourne Stars, overcoming the absence of their key seamers. Setting a daunting 185 for 2, the Strikers, missing Megan Schutt (suspended due to a prescription medication mishap) and Darcie Brown (back injury), restricted the Stars to 164 for 7.
Without their usual pace attack, Amanda Jade-Wellington (3 for 28), Eleanor Larosa (2 for 23), and Sophie Ecclestone (2 for 25) filled the void effectively. Stars began strongly with Rhys McKenna (40) and Meg Lanning (32) who added 77 for the opening partnership. Wellington then ignited a collapse by trapping Lanning lbw and benefitting from Ecclestone’s brilliant catch to see off Amy Jones (2).
“So pleased for the girls to get that first win and start our season well here,” Wellington remarked to Fox Cricket. “I feel like those two players (Schutt and Brown) are massive for our team. We went out there and showed what we can do without those girls.”
Earlier, Laura Wolvaardt’s 70 runs, captain Tahlia McGrath’s unbeaten 43, and Madeline Penna’s explosive 36 carried the Strikers to their joint second-highest score ever. Wolvaardt and McGrath set up a solid partnership of 82 for the second wicket, with Penna’s rapid innings contributing four fours and three sixes as the Strikers plundered 76 off the last five overs, including 42 off the final two.
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Players mentioned: Chloe Ainsworth, Fatima Sana, Beth Mooney, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Laura Wolvaardt, Madeline Penna.
Teams mentioned: Adelaide Strikers Women, Melbourne Renegades Women, Perth Scorchers Women, Melbourne Stars Women.
Event: Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL)*
