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The Perth Scorchers delivered a comprehensive performance built on dual excellence from their captain and spinner, defeating the Melbourne Renegades by 30 runs at the WACA. The victory propels the Scorchers up the points table to the third position with ten points, while the Renegades, now two points behind, slip to sixth.
First Innings: Scorchers Set Commanding 184 Target
The Scorchers’ innings was characterized by consistent pressure from the top order, allowing the team to post a commanding 184 for 5 in 20 overs.
- Top Order Stability: A quick 27-run partnership between Katie Mack and Beth Mooney set an immediate positive tone. Mooney was later bowled by Georgia Wareham for 21.
- Devine’s Crucial Anchor: Captain Sophie Devine and Maddy Darke (36) then constructed a steady 69-run partnership, guiding the team through the middle overs. Devine was ruthless against Issy Wong, hitting two maximums off her to score 40 off 28 deliveries before being dismissed by Alice Capsey.
- Late Power Surge: The innings received a decisive boost from the lower order. Freya Kemp (28 off 13 balls) and Alana King (a blistering 22 not out off just 8 balls) combined for an impressive final flourish, contributing 54 runs in the last four overs to ensure the total breached 180.
Second Innings: Devine and King Lead the Bowling Charge
Defending 184, the Scorchers’ bowlers proved relentless, ensuring the Renegades’ chase never gathered sufficient pace.
- Early Disruption: The Renegades suffered a chaotic start, losing Deandra Dottin and Courtney Webb in the first two overs, quickly falling to 34 for 4. While Alice Capsey and Sophie Molineux attempted a brief counterattack, Devine broke the stand with her second wicket (Capsey) and then dismissed Molineux in her next over.
- Wareham’s Resistance: The chase stabilized only when Nicole Faltum and Georgia Wareham combined, adding 65 runs in quick time. However, even this positive partnership left the Renegades facing a demanding required run rate of 12 runs per over at the halfway stage.
- King Seals the Deal: Leg-spinner Alana King ended the resistance, breaking the crucial stand by dismissing Faltum (28) and returning in her next over to claim the prized wicket of Wareham (43).
- Devine Finishes: With the required rate soaring, Sophie Devine returned to clean up the tail, claiming her third and fourth wickets to finish with sensational figures of 4 wickets for 25 runs. The Renegades eventually finished well short at 154 for 9, suffering a defeat that significantly damaged their Net Run Rate .
The Scorchers’ comprehensive victory showcases their balanced attack as they head toward the critical final stages of the competition.
Image Credits: Cric Buzz
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