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Courtesy of winning eight out of 12 matches in the league, Perth Scorchers have qualified for the playoffs of the Women’s Big Bash League 2023. The Sophie Devine-led side has played some brilliant cricket but lost their last match to Sydney Thunders by nine wickets, which is not a good sign as they are in the business end of the tournament. Thus, with the aim to bounce back, the Scorchers will take on Melbourne Stars at WACA Ground, Perth on November 22. 

Stars, on the other hand, have managed to win only four out of 12 matches and are out of contention to qualify for the playoffs. Consistency has been a major issue for the franchise, but they are finally showing form towards the end as the Annabel Sutherland-led side managed to win two out of their last three matches. 

In their last match against Brisbane Heat, openers Sophia Dunkley and Maia Bouchier gave a perfect start as they scored 37 runs off 24 deliveries and 41 runs off 29 deliveries, respectively. Later, skipper Sutherlands took the matter into her own hands and hit 37 runs off 21 deliveries to help the team post 156 runs on board in 20 overs. 

The bowlers did a commendable job to restrict Brisbane to 141 runs as Sophia Day picked up three wickets while Sutherland picked up two. Even though they are in good form, it will be hard for the Stars when they face the Scorchers. Beth Mooney, Sophie Devine, Amy Edgar and a few others are in incredible form at the moment and thus, they can take the game away from the hands of the Stars at any point.

Predicted Playing XI:

Perth Scorchers: Beth Mooney (wk), Sophie Devine (c), Maddy Darke, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Amy Jones, Chloe Piparo, Amy Louise Edgar, Piepa Cleary, Alana King, Taneale Peschel, Chloe Ainsworth

Melbourne Stars Women: Sophia Dunkley, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Annabel Sutherland (c), Sophie Reid (wk), Nicole Faltum, Kim Garth, Olivia Henry, Sasha Moloney, Milly Illingworth, Sophie Day