Sophie Devine produced a match-winning bowling performance as Perth Scorchers defeated Melbourne Stars by 15 runs in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2026 at Junction Oval in Melbourne. The experienced New Zealand all-rounder claimed 4 for 19, while Alana King took 3 for 17 as the Scorchers successfully defended 124 for 9 to register their second consecutive victory.
Melbourne appeared well placed after restricting Perth to a modest total, but their batting lineup struggled against disciplined bowling on a two-paced surface. Captain Meg Lanning scored 41 from 36 deliveries, although the Stars were eventually dismissed for 109 in 18.1 overs.
Devine was named Player of the Match, while Perth captain Beth Mooney made several important contributions behind the stumps.
Perth Scorchers Collapse Against Melbourne’s Spin Attack
Perth began positively, reaching 36 without loss at the end of the powerplay. However, Melbourne’s introduction of spin quickly changed the direction of the innings as Sophie Day, Charlie Dean and Maisy Gibson exploited the conditions.
The Scorchers advanced to 70 for 2 before suffering a dramatic collapse to 76 for 7. The Stars’ spinners maintained tight lines and varied their pace effectively, preventing Perth’s middle order from establishing partnerships.
Gibson finished with 2 for 10, while Day claimed 2 for 17 and Dean also picked up two wickets. England wicketkeeper Amy Jones supported the bowling effort with four catches, including two sharp leg-side dismissals while standing up to the stumps.
Mooney, who succeeded Devine as Perth captain, contributed 17 before becoming one of several batters unable to convert a start into a substantial innings.
King provided valuable lower-order resistance with 18, the highest individual score of Perth’s innings. Her dismissal came in unusual circumstances when she struck a delivery into her own foot and was unable to complete a run, resulting in a run-out.
Lilly Mills remained unbeaten on 13, helping Perth finish with a total that ultimately proved sufficient on the challenging surface.
Devine’s Four-Wicket Haul Turns the Match
Melbourne entered the chase in a strong position after their bowling performance, but Devine quickly put the home side under pressure. She maintained an attacking line, using the variable bounce and pace of the pitch to trouble Melbourne’s batters. She dismissed Australia all-rounder Annabel Sutherland for a duck and removed England captain Charlie Dean for 13, with Mooney completing an impressive stumping.
Lanning offered the strongest resistance, combining measured strokeplay with occasional attacking shots to keep Melbourne in contention. The Stars reached 79 for 4 before the captain’s dismissal for 41 triggered a decisive shift in momentum.
At 79 for 5, Melbourne’s lower order faced increasing pressure as Perth’s bowlers tightened their control of the match.
Devine’s accuracy proved particularly effective, with her four wickets providing the foundation for the Scorchers’ successful defence. Speaking after the match, she credited the team’s collective performance and Mooney’s work behind the stumps.
“It was all about trying to get the ball on the stumps,” Devine said.
“Moons (Mooney) probably made me look better than I was. It was a whole team effort, which is what we really pride ourselves on.”
Alana King Completes Perth’s Bowling Fightback
King played an equally important role with her leg-spin, maintaining pressure as Melbourne struggled to recover from the loss of Lanning. Her most decisive contribution came in the 18th over, when she delivered a double-wicket maiden that effectively ended the Stars’ chances of victory.
King finished with figures of 3 for 17, complementing Devine’s four-wicket performance and ensuring Perth retained control during the closing stages.
Mooney’s wicketkeeping also proved valuable, particularly when standing close to the stumps. Her sharp reactions supported Perth’s attacking bowling approach and helped create opportunities on a surface that rewarded accuracy.
The Stars’ innings ended in the 19th over, confirming a defeat despite their earlier dominance with the ball.
Scorchers Maintain Unbeaten Start as Stars Suffer Second Defeat
Perth’s victory demonstrated the strength of their bowling attack, although their middle-order collapse highlighted an area requiring improvement. Devine’s experience and King’s effectiveness on a spin-friendly surface helped the visitors recover from a difficult position.
For Melbourne, the defeat was particularly disappointing after their bowlers had created a strong opportunity to secure a first win of the season. Lanning’s contribution kept the chase alive, but the absence of substantial support from the remaining batters proved costly.
The Scorchers now have two wins from their opening two matches under Mooney’s captaincy. Perth are scheduled to face Sydney Thunder on November 5, with Melbourne set to meet Sydney Sixers the following day.
