In the knockout clash at the WACA between Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Stars, the Scorchers claim a convincing 28-run victory over the Stars, ending their season with a quite disappointing four losses.
Carrying all this momentum, the Scorchers advance to face the Sydney Sixers in the Challenger final, with a spot against ladder-leaders Hobart Hurricanes up for grabs in Saturday’s championship showdown.
Scorchers Set Competitive Total through Mack-Mooney Stand
After Perth won the toss, openers Katie Mack and Beth Mooney set up the base with their highest partnership of the season: a commanding 107-run stand. Katie Mack was the top scorer with a fluent 52 off 39. Mooney added 45 before falling shortly after Mack’s dismissal.
The Stars worked their way back into the contest with wickets from Rhys McKenna and Kim Garth to have the Scorchers at 3-128 in the 16th over. However, an explosive 35 off 19 from Freya Kemp, with three fours and two sixes, revived the innings to propel Perth to a strong 5-173. Maisy Gibson was outstanding in the field, taking three catches, while McKenna led the Stars’ attack with 2-26 from three overs.
Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Stars: Stars’ Run Chase Falters After Bright Start
The Stars, chasing a record WBBL finals target, were immediately into some trouble when Rhys McKenna was run out for seven. Meg Lanning also had a slow start to her innings, managing just three runs off her first 13 balls, as Chloe Ainsworth bowled a disciplined opening spell.
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Yet, Lanning and Amy Jones rebuilt beautifully with an 87-run partnership, taking the Stars to 1-101 in the 13th over and keeping them well set at the halfway mark of 1-86. But the momentum shifted dramatically.
Spinners Turn the Game as Stars Collapse
The Scorchers bowlers held their nerve, with spinners Amy Edgar and Ruby Strange tightening the screws in the middle overs. Alana King broke the stand by stumping Jones for 43 (33). Lilly Mills struck twice in one over, which led to a batting collapse. Lanning survived a dropped chance on 41 but fell soon after, caught behind off Ainsworth for 49 from 45.
From a position of strength, the Stars crumbled to be bowled out for 9-145, losing 8 wickets for 59 runs. King, Mills and Sophie Devine each claimed two wickets in a clinical all-round bowling display.
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Scorchers march into Challenger final
This win in the Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Stars knockout fixture sees Perth continue their late-season surge, having won five of their last six matches. They now head to Sydney for the Challenger, where they will meet the Sixers for a shot at facing the Hurricanes in the WBBL title decider.
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