Western Australia returns home to the WACA searching for a much-needed reset after a challenging start to Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) 2025-26 that has left them in sixth place without a win. They face a South Australian Scorpions side that is sitting just above them in fifth with 4 points from two games—a win and a loss. While Western Australian is coming off a bruising 143-run defeat against New South Wales Breakers, the Scorpions are looking to capitalize on their fresh legs and climb toward the top three in this middle phase of the tournament.
Squads:
Western Australia Women’s Cricket Team
Chloe Piparo, Ines McKeon, Mathilda Carmichael, Mikayla Hinkley, Amy Edgar, Charis Bekker, Rebecca McGrath, Taneale Peschel, Beth Mooney, Maddy Darke, Alana King, Chloe Ainsworth, Ebony Hoskin, Heather Graham, Lilly Mills, Maddie White, Piepa Cleary, Shay Manolini, Zoe Britcliffe
South Australian Scorpions Women’s Cricket Team
Bridget Patterson, Courtney Webb, Ellie Johnston, Emma de Broughe, Hollie Armitage, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Eleanor Larosa, Ella Wilson, Emmerson Filsell, Madeline Penna, Tahlia McGrath, Elizabeth Worthley, Courtney Neale, Darcie Brown, Isabella Malgioglio, Jemma Barsby, Kate Peterson, Maggie Clark, Megan Schutt
Players to watch out:
Mikayla Hinkley
Moving West has clearly revitalized Mikayla Hinkley, who has quickly become the leading run-scorer for her new state. In 4 innings, she has racked up 176 runs at an average of 66.25, including a brilliant 90 that showcased her full range of strokes. With 17 fours already to her name, she has provided the Western Australian middle order with the stability and class they’ve been searching for all season.
Courtney Webb
Courtney Webb continues to be a cornerstone of South Australian Scorpions’ batting card, often carrying the weight of the innings on her shoulders. She has already accumulated 137 runs this summer, featuring a standout century—a boundary-laden 110—that reaffirmed her status as one of the elite batters in the competition. Her ability to pivot between consolidating and attacking makes her the ultimate prize for any opposition bowling unit.
Amy Edgar
Amy Edgar is currently enjoying a standout season as Western Australia’s premier wicket-taker, outfoxing batters with her clever variations. She has already claimed 9 wickets in just 4 matches, including a destructive spell of 4 for 37 that completely derailed an opponent’s chase. Averaging just 25.33 with the ball, her role as an all-rounder is indispensable to a Western Australia side looking to climb the ladder.
Amanda-Jade Wellington
The leg-spin wizard Amanda-Jade Wellington remains as deceptive and dangerous as ever for the Scorpions. She leads the South Australian bowling attack with 5 wickets so far, maintaining her reputation as a player who can turn a game on its head in a single over. Whether she’s squeezing the run rate or tempting batters into a mistake, her experience and drift make her a nightmare to face on a wearing pitch.
Pitch:
The pitch at the WACA in Perth is traditionally known for being a fast and bouncy surface, favoring pace bowlers with good carry and bounce. It often offers true bounce and carries well to the wicketkeeper, making it challenging for batters but rewarding for those who play late and with soft hands.
Weather:
Expect windy conditions, especially in the afternoon, following sunny and breezy weather. Temperatures will likely remain warm, similar to today’s 30°C high, with low precipitation chances. Clear skies should dominate, making it pleasant overall.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Courtney Webb, Emma de Broughe, Hollie Armitage, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Ella Wilson, Madeline Penna, Mikayla Hinkley, Amy Edgar, Chloe Piparo, Maddy Darke, Heather Graham
Match Details:
Date – January 8, 2026
Time – 11:30 AM IST
Venue – W.A.C.A. Ground, Perth
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on cricket.com.au app and website.
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