The eleventh edition of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) delivered a tense, high-quality contest at the WACA Ground in Perth, where Perth Scorchers Women held their nerve in a dramatic finish to secure their third win in six matches, while Adelaide Strikers Women slipped to their third loss in five outings. The Strikers won the toss and chose to field first, but the Scorchers’ measured and composed batting effort set up a total that ultimately proved just enough on a pitch offering carry and value for shots.
The Scorchers’ innings was anchored by captain Sophie Devine, who played a controlled yet authoritative knock of 49 off 45 balls, striking four boundaries to steady the innings after early setbacks. Beth Mooney contributed 8, while Katie Mack fell for 0, leaving the Scorchers cautious in their early progress. The innings gained momentum through Maddy Darke’s lively 34 off 22, an innings decorated with five fours, before she fell to Darcie Brown at 8.3 overs.
Devine’s stability allowed Paige Scholfield to flourish at the back end, producing an outstanding unbeaten 46 off 29 balls, hammering four fours and two sixes at a strike rate of 158.62. Freya Kemp added 14 from 15 before being dismissed by Ecclestone, and with the help of 8 extras, the Scorchers posted a competitive 159/4 from 20 overs.
For the Strikers, Darcie Brown (2/25) provided sharp bursts of pace, while Sophie Ecclestone (1/32) and Jemma Barsby (1/26) chipped in with a wicket each. Megan Schutt and Amanda-Jade Wellington bowled tidily but went wicketless despite applying consistent pressure.
The Strikers’ chase began with promise through Laura Wolvaardt, who struck a fluent 41 off 36, anchoring the innings with four well-timed boundaries. Tammy Beaumont added 11 off 11, and Madeline Penna maintained momentum with 36 off 27, striking seven boundaries before falling at 9.2 overs. However, the Scorchers struck back at crucial moments, denying the Strikers the sustained partnerships they needed.
Tahlia McGrath managed 7 off 10, while Bridget Patterson injected a burst of energy with a rapid 13 off 6, including a six at a strike rate above 200. But the innings began to unravel when Amy Edgar turned the game with a match-defining spell, removing McGrath, Patterson, Ecclestone and Amanda-Jade Wellington—all four pivotal wickets—finishing with a superb 4/25 from her four overs. Her spell also included one maiden over.
The lower order battled but couldn’t quite close the gap. Ellie Johnston fell for 1, Jemma Barsby for 0, and Darcie Brown’s explosive 18 off 9 balls—including three fours—kept the Strikers alive until the final overs. Megan Schutt finished unbeaten on 2, but the Strikers were bowled out for 158 in 19.5 overs, falling one run short of forcing a Super Over and two runs short of the target.
With the WACA crowd on edge, the Scorchers closed out a nail-biting one-run victory, built on disciplined death bowling and anchored by Amy Edgar’s stunning four-wicket haul, which deservedly earned her the Player of the Match award. It was a win that reaffirmed the Scorchers’ competitiveness at home, lifting them to three wins from six, while the Strikers—despite their depth and fight—were left ruing another narrow defeat in what has become a stop-start campaign.
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