Over at the WACA Ground on October 31, in match 5 of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 12, the Perth Scorchers open their campaign against a Melbourne Renegades side eager to bounce back quickly from a tough start. The Scorchers boast a formidable squad stacked with international pedigree and explosive hitters at the top, making playing them in Perth one of the toughest assignments in domestic T20 cricket. Meanwhile, the Renegades are searching for immediate redemption after dropping their opening fixture, meaning their experienced core will need to fire on all cylinders to silence the home crowd.
Squads:
Perth Scorchers Women’s Cricket Team
Sophie Devine (C), Chloe Ainsworth, Sophie Devine, Amy Edgar, Mikayla Friday, Ebony Hoskin, Freya Kemp, Alana King, Katie Mack, Lilly Mills, Beth Mooney, Chloe Piparo, Fatima Sana, Ruby Strange
Melbourne Renegades Women’s Cricket Team
Sophie Molineux (C), Deandra Dottin, Nicole Faltum, Tess Flintoff, Milly Illingworth, Sara Kennedy, Hayley Matthews, Sophie Molineux, Olivia Porter, Sophie Reid, Chloe Tyron, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham, Courtney Webb, Annie Wikman
Players to watch out:
Sophie Devine
Sophie Devine is a true legend of the WBBL landscape, having hammered 4,195 runs in 143 matches at a brilliant average of 34.95 and a strike rate near 126.85. Her legendary status is reinforced by four brilliant centuries and 22 fifties, complemented by 124 wickets with the ball—including a magnificent five-wicket haul—proving her status as a supreme multi-faceted force.
Beth Mooney
Beth Mooney sets the gold standard for consistency behind the stumps and at the crease, racking up 5,600 runs in 155 WBBL matches at an extraordinary average of 46.28. Her ability to dictate terms is highlighted by four centuries and 47 half-centuries, capped off by a highest score of 105 and nearly eighty fielding dismissals that showcase her all-around value.
Hayley Matthews
Hayley Matthews delivers brilliant dynamism as an all-rounder in the WBBL, having stepped out in 95 matches to score 1,742 runs with four fifties and a top score of 85 not out. She is equally lethal with her off-spin, claiming 77 wickets in 79 innings, which features a stunning five-wicket haul of 5 for 19 that underlines her match-turning capabilities.
Georgia Wareham
Georgia Wareham brings incredible energy and versatility to the field, featuring in 100 WBBL matches where she has proven her worth both with fierce lower-order hitting and sharp leg-spin. She has claimed 78 wickets with the best of 3 for 12 while maintaining a tight economy rate, alongside 1,145 runs at an impressive average of 30.13 and five half-centuries that prove she is much more than just a frontline bowler.
Pitch:
Historically renowned as one of the fastest and bounciest surfaces in world cricket, offering sharp carry and strong assistance to pace bowlers, while also allowing batters who weather the initial spell to score freely.
Weather:
Sunny and pleasant with a high of 25°C and a low of 13°C. The clear overhead promises complete and uninterrupted game of cricket.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Sophie Devine, Chloe Ainsworth, Sophie Devine, Amy Edgar, Mikayla Friday, Ebony Hoskin, Sophie Molineux, Deandra Dottin, Nicole Faltum, Tess Flintoff, Georgia Wareham
Match Details:
Date – October 31, 2026
Time – 1:40 PM IST
Venue – Junction Oval, Melbourne
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the JioStar app and website.