For Match 39 of the 2025-26 Big Bash League (BBL|15), Perth Scorchers host the Melbourne Stars this Saturday. The stakes at Optus Stadium couldn’t be higher: the victor will claim the top spot on the leaderboard, securing a prime path toward the championship final.
The Scorchers enter this clash in peak form, having navigated the season with their trademark consistency. With four victories in their last five outings, the Scorchers are chasing a third consecutive win to close out their league schedule. While their playoff berth is already confirmed, a win here is vital for locking in the highest possible seeding and maintaining home-ground advantage.
The Stars arrive with a similar narrative. After an explosive start to the summer followed by a brief mid-season slump, they have successfully rediscovered their winning touch. Led by Marcus Stoinis, the Stars are looking to capitalize on their recent resurgence.
PS vs MS, BBL|15: Match details
- Date and Time: January 17; 2:45 pm IST/ 9:15 am GMT/ 5:15 pm local
- Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth
PS vs MS, Head-to-Head Record in BBL
Matches played: 25 | Perth Scorchers won: 15 | Melbourne Stars won: 08 | No result/Tied: 02
Optus Stadium Pitch Report
Optus Stadium in Perth is a true fast-bowlers delight, famous for its searing pace and steep, uncomfortable bounce. Batters often find themselves on the back foot here, as the surface allows quicks to exploit a hard length that makes consistent scoring a massive challenge.
It’s not just the pitch that tests the batting side; the massive square boundaries force players to take huge risks if they want to clear the fence, giving bowlers a much larger margin for error. While the opening spells can be particularly hostile, the track tends to settle as the game progresses. This historical trend suggests that while the initial exchange is a trial by fire, the surface becomes slightly more predictable and easier to navigate for those batting in the second innings.
Squads
Perth Scorchers: Finn Allen, Mitchell Marsh, Cooper Connolly, Josh Inglis (wk), Aaron Hardie, Ashton Turner (c), Laurie Evans, Nick Hobson, Jhye Richardson, David Payne, Mahli Beardman, Luke Holt, Brody Couch, Sam Fanning
Melbourne Stars: Sam Harper (wk), Thomas Fraser Rogers, Campbell Kellaway, Blake Macdonald, Marcus Stoinis (c), Tom Curran, Hilton Cartwright, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Swepson, Haris Rauf, Peter Siddle, Joe Clarke, Liam Hatcher, Hamish McKenzie
PS vs MS, BBL|15: Today’s Match Prediction
Case 1:
- Perth Scorchers wins the toss and bowls first
- Melbourne Stars’ powerplay score: 50-60 (6 overs)
- Melbourne Stars’ total score: 170-180
Case 2:
- Melbourne Stars wins the toss and bowls first
- Perth Scorchers’ powerplay score: 40-50 (6 overs)
- Perth Scorchers’ total score: 160-170
Match result: Team bowling first to win the contest.
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