In a rain-affected but thrilling clash at Drummoyne Oval in Sydney during the 13th match of the T20 Spring Challenge 2025-26, Perth Scorchers narrowly defeated the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Meteors by 4 runs (DLS method). The game showcased some excellent partnerships, smart bowling changes, and disciplined fielding.
Opting to bowl first, the Meteors aimed to apply early pressure. The Scorchers’ batters approached their innings cautiously rather than going for early fireworks. The opening pair laid a solid foundation, with Katie Mack contributing 28 runs off 20 balls, striking at 140.0, including four boundaries. Paige Scholfield provided stability alongside her, scoring 29 off 27 balls with a strike rate of 107.4, forming a crucial partnership that moved the game past the initial slog phase.
The first wicket fell at 48 runs, with Mack making her exit. By 9.3 overs, the Scorchers were at 70/2 after Scholfield was dismissed, having built a reasonable platform. After that, the batting contributions varied: Mikayla Hinkley scored 9 runs off 16 balls, while Chloe Piparo added 13 off 11 before Maddy Darke chipped in with 10 off 9. Although the latter partnership was brief, it kept the momentum going, pushing the Scorchers close to the 100-run mark by around the 13th over, ending with a total of 95/4.
The lower order contributed as well, with Ruby Strange scoring 13 off 15 balls, Chloe Ainsworth 7 off 8, and Rebecca McGrath just 3 off 5. Extras accounted for 10 runs, including 7 wides and 2 no-balls. Ultimately, the Scorchers were dismissed for 128 runs in 19.4 overs.
As they built the total, the Meteors bowlers made several breakthroughs. Gabrielle Sutcliffe had an economical performance, finishing with 2 wickets for 23 runs in her 4 overs. Grace Dignam stood out, taking 3 wickets for 26 runs in 4 overs. Carly Leeson supported the attack with 1 wicket for 23 runs in her spell. Captain Holly Ferling bowled 3 overs and gave away 24 runs without taking a wicket, while Amy Hunter conceded 17 runs in her 2 overs, also without success.
Chasing 129 runs, the Meteors started with a realistic intent. Olivia Porter was the top scorer with 26 runs off 31 balls, providing early stability. Carly Leeson supported her with 19 runs off 17 balls, while Annie Wikman added 23 off 16 balls, including two fours, helping to keep the chase alive in the middle overs. However, the chase fell apart as wickets began to tumble.
The 4th wicket fell at 60 runs in the 11.3 over, with Rachel Carroll out, followed by Wikman’s departure at 68 in 13.3 overs, and Ferling at 90 in 14.1 overs. The middle order struggled to build any meaningful partnerships, causing the run rate to escalate without enough support. Ultimately, rain intervened when ACT was at 91/6 in 14.2 overs, leaving them 4 runs short via the DLS method.
The Scorchers’ bowlers were particularly impressive during the crucial moments of the game, with Amy Edgar standing out by taking 2 wickets for just 14 runs in 3.2 overs. Lilly Mills also contributed strongly with 2 wickets for 17 runs in her 3 overs. Rebecca McGrath chipped in with 1 over for just 3 runs and a wicket, while Ruby Strange and Chloe Ainsworth bowled economically too.
The turning point in ACT’s chase was when the Scorchers’ bowlers applied pressure with quick wickets. Despite the promising starts from Porter and Leeson, their inability to sustain a lengthy partnership in the middle overs ultimately cost them. For the Scorchers, the solid foundation built by Mack and Scholfield, along with contributions from the rest of the batting order, plus Edgar and Mills’ brilliant strikes towards the end of the innings, made the difference.
