The 51st match of the seventh edition of Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) will be played between Perth Scorchers and Melbourne Stars at the Adelaide Oval on November 20. While Perth Scorchers have won seven out of their 12 matches, Melbourne Stars have managed to win just four out of their 12 matches. The last time these two teams played, Perth Scorchers defeated Melbourne Stars comprehensively by 10 wickets. Will Melbourne Stars be able to turn things around?
Squads
Melbourne Stars: Meg Lanning (captain), Annabel Sutherland, Maia Bouchier, Kimberley Garth, Linsey Smith, Lucy Cripps, Maddy Darke, Nicole Faltum, Tess Flintoff, Georgia Gall, Anna Lanning, Rhys McKenna, Erin Osborne, Elyse Villani
Perth Scorchers: Sophie Devine (captain), Beth Mooney, Chamari Athapaththu (SL), Marizanne Kapp (SA), Samantha Betts, Mathilda Carmichael, Piepa Cleary, Ashley Day, Amy Edgar, Heather Graham, Lisa Griffith, Alana King, Lilly Mills, Taneale Peschel, Chloe Piparo
Players to watch out for
Kimberley Garth:
The all-rounder of Melbourne Stars top-scored for the team against Perth Scorchers in her last outing. The middle-order bat mustered a run-a-ball 31, smashing five boundaries. She was the lone warrior as she held the team’s batting together. With the ball, she opened the bowling and gave away 25 runs in three overs.
Elyse Villani:
The opening bat of Melbourne Stars has been in good form in the tournament so far, being among the top 15 run-getters. She has muscled 255 runs in 10 matches at an average of 28.33 and a strike rate of 111.84. Melbourne Stars will want their opening bat to fire going into the next fixture.
Beth Mooney:
The left hand opening bat was the player of the match in her last game against Adelaide Strikers as she hammered 78 runs off 53 balls, including 10 boundaries. Together with her opening partner, she stitched a 137-run partnership for the first wicket. This partnership helped Perth Scorchers to post a daunting total of 177 on board.
Sophie Devine:
The captain of Perth Scorchers has been blowing hot in this WBBL season. She has made some incredible contributions with both bat and ball. In her previous outing against Adelaide Strikers, the right hand bat plundered 61 runs off 52 balls, including seven boundaries and a six. With the ball, the right arm seamer scalped 2-30 in her four overs.
Weather
The weather does not look too good as there is a 70% chance of rain in the morning (local). The weather is expected to be mostly cloudy and cool throughout the course of the match. The average temperature will range around 20 degrees Celsius. The wind is expected to blow from the southeast.
Pitch
Only two matches of the tournament have been played at this venue so far and the teams batting second have won on both instances. It is likely that the captain who wins the toss would look to chase. The average first innings score has been 123 and the average second innings score has been 124. While it is a good wicket to bat on, the seamers and spinners have also had similar success here.
Fantasy playing XI
Beth Mooney, Elyse Villani, Meg Lanning, Maia Bouchier, Sophie Devine, Kimberley Garth, Heather Graham, Lilly Mills, Tess Flintoff, Lisa Griffith, Rhys McKenna
Match details
Date: November 20, 2021
Time: 4.45 am IST
Venue: Adelaide Oval
Live streaming: Sony LIV
I am a former cricketer having represented Mumbai University at All India University level. I was a part of MCA probables for the U-19 and U-23 age group. I have been an avid cricket writer for the last five years. Currently I am pursuing my Ph.D from IIT Bombay.
