The eleventh edition of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) witnessed another entertaining encounter as Perth Scorchers Women cruised to a 23-run victory over Brisbane Heat Women at the Allan Border Field. A sensational century from Beth Mooney (105 off 73) headlined the Scorchers’ dominant performance, setting the tone for a confident win.
Asked to bat first, the Scorchers piled up a formidable 172/3 from their 20 overs, courtesy of a breathtaking innings from Beth Mooney, who crafted an unbeaten 105 off 73 balls, studded with 13 fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 143.83. Her innings was a masterclass in placement, timing, and acceleration, anchoring the Scorchers through all phases of the innings.
Katie Mack provided solid support with 31 off 29, adding 89 for the opening wicket with Mooney before being dismissed by Jess Jonassen. Late cameos from Paige Scholfield (22 off 16) and skipper Sophie Devine (3* off 2) ensured the Scorchers crossed the 170-mark despite disciplined bowling from the Heat in the middle overs.
For Brisbane, Lucy Hamilton was the standout with the ball, picking up 2/28 from her four overs, including the crucial wickets of Mooney and Scholfield. Charli Knott (0/21) bowled economically, but the Scorchers’ calculated aggression helped them maintain a run rate of 8.60 throughout.
Chasing 173, the Heat’s innings never quite found the momentum required to challenge the total. Opener Grace Harris, on return from injury, gave them a blazing start with a powerful 46 off 30 balls (8 fours, 0 sixes) before falling to Ebony Hoskin (1/26), who bowled a crucial spell under pressure. Charli Knott (32 off 30) and Chinelle Henry (39 off 23) tried to keep the chase alive with spirited knocks, but regular wickets halted any sustained partnership.
The Scorchers’ bowlers displayed excellent control, led by Chloe Ainsworth, who struck twice to finish with 2/34, while skipper Sophie Devine (2/32) and Amy Edgar (1/19) ensured that the Heat were eventually bundled out for 149 in 19.1 overs.
Despite late resistance from the lower order, the required run rate proved too steep as Perth’s sharp fielding and composed death bowling sealed the deal.
It was yet another reminder of Beth Mooney’s class and consistency, her century setting the foundation for Perth’s first win of the campaign after a shaky start to the season against the Sydney Sixers.
The wicketkeeper-batter’s fluent stroke play earned her the Player of the Match award, reaffirming her reputation as one of the WBBL’s most dependable match-winners.
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