The eleventh edition of the Women’s Big Bash League produced another high-quality contest as Melbourne Stars Women clinched a convincing 16-run victory (DLS) over Perth Scorchers Women at the Junction Oval. A vintage, match-defining knock from Meg Lanning (90* off 55) headlined the Stars’ commanding performance and set the tone for a clinical win.
Forced to bat first, the Stars posted an impressive 173/4 in their 20 overs, anchored by a sensational innings from Meg Lanning, who crafted an unbeaten 90 off 55 balls, packed with 10 fours and 3 sixes, striking at 163.63. It was a masterclass in control and acceleration — steady at the start, dominant through the middle overs, and ruthless at the finish.
Amy Jones supported well with 30 off 32 while skipper Annabel Sutherland chipped in with a brisk 17 off 11, helping build the momentum. Danielle Gibson finished with an unbeaten 12 off 12 as the Stars ended strongly despite disciplined spells from the Scorchers’ bowlers.
For Perth, Lilly Mills was the standout with 2/22, while Chloe Ainsworth delivered a tidy 1/25, but the Stars’ batting depth ensured a competitive total.
Rain then reshaped the contest. The Scorchers were handed a revised target of 95 runs from 9 overs under DLS, turning the chase into a high-pressure sprint.
However, their innings never settled. Beth Mooney gave a bright start with 14 off 7 (3 fours), but her early dismissal halted the momentum. The top order crumbled quickly — Katie Mack (8), Sophie Devine (5), Freya Kemp (11), Mikayla Hinkley (5) — as the Stars’ bowlers maintained relentless control.
Paige Scholfield (11 off 7) and Lilly Mills (12 off 7) offered brief resistance, but the mounting required rate proved too steep for the visitors.
The Stars’ bowling was sharp and disciplined. Kim Garth led the attack superbly with 2/16, striking at key moments, while Sophie Day produced a match-turning over of 3/7 in her solitary over. Annabel Sutherland added 1/22, ensuring constant pressure.
The Scorchers eventually closed on 78/8 in 9 overs, falling 16 runs short of the DLS target, sealing a dominant all-round win for Melbourne.
It was yet another reminder of Meg Lanning’s unmatched class, her unbeaten 90 powering the Stars to a total far beyond Perth’s reach. The innings deservedly earned her the Player of the Match award, reaffirming her status as one of the WBBL’s most reliable match-winners.
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