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The Perth Scorchers climbed into the top half of the WBBL 2025 standings after successfully hunting down a target of 151 set by the defending champions, the Melbourne Renegades. The victory, secured by four wickets, leaves both franchises tied on eight points, with the Scorchers settling into fourth place.
First Innings: Faltum and Coyte Provide Resilience
Put in to bat first, the Renegades faced immediate turmoil, losing their first three wickets cheaply. Captain Sophie Molineux was removed for just five runs, contributing to a chaotic start that saw the Renegades slump to 34 for 3 after only five overs.
Despite further wickets falling, Nicole Faltum (41 not out) and Sarah Coyte (24 runs) staged a significant recovery. The duo patiently added a vital 46-run partnership over six overs, hauling the total back toward respectability. However, late run-outs stunted their progress, resulting in the Renegades being bowled out for 150 in the final over. Scorchers captain Sophie Devine was impressive with the ball, claiming 2 wickets for 16 runs, while Chloe Ainsworth matched her with two scalps of her own.
Second Innings: Devine’s Early Onslaught
The Scorchers’ chase began with a blistering display of power hitting from the veteran opening pair of Beth Mooney and Sophie Devine.
- Devine’s Blitz: Devine was the primary aggressor, unleashing an immediate assault on the Renegades bowlers. She hammered Bekker for a four and a six in the first over, followed by three boundaries off Issy Wong. Even the influential Molineux was taken down for 15 runs in her initial over. Devine’s rapid-fire 46 off 24 deliveries put the Scorchers in pole position.
- Mooney Takes Charge: After Coyte secured the crucial wicket of Devine, Mooney continued the momentum, striking Wong for two consecutive boundaries to maintain the required run rate.
Late Drama: Capsey’s Unbelievable Spell
The match took a dramatic turn in the 14th over courtesy of an extraordinary spell from Renegades all-rounder Alice Capsey. She delivered a brilliant over, initiating a collapse that saw the Scorchers lose three wickets instantly. Mooney (41) was first stumped, followed quickly by Paige Schofield (caught and bowled), and finally, Chloe Ainsworth, all victims of Capsey’s magical over, which finished with impressive figures of 4 wickets for 14 runs.
The sudden loss of wickets put the pressure back on the Scorchers, who needed 32 runs off the final 36 balls. However, the cool heads of youngsters Freya Kemp and Lily Mills successfully steered the team past the finish line, securing the four-wicket victory with eight balls remaining.
IMAGE CREDIT : CRIC BUZZ
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