Perth Scorchers delivered a clinical all-round performance to register a comfortable six-wicket victory over the Melbourne Stars in Match 39 of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025–26 season at Perth Stadium. After opting to bowl first, the Scorchers dismantled the Stars’ batting lineup before chasing down the modest target with ease, riding on a blistering innings from Finn Allen.

Melbourne Stars stumble after promising start

Melbourne Stars never truly settled after being put in to bat. Early wickets set the tone as Sam Harper and Joe Clarke fell cheaply, leaving the visitors under pressure inside the powerplay. Although Tom Fraser Rogers showed brief intent, the Stars kept losing wickets at regular intervals, preventing any meaningful partnerships from developing.

The lone resistance came from Marcus Stoinis, who anchored the innings with a well-compiled 55 off 39 deliveries. His knock, featuring five boundaries and two sixes, provided some stability amid the collapse. However, support from the other end was minimal, with Glenn Maxwell, Hilton Cartwright, and Tom Curran unable to convert their starts. The Stars were eventually bundled out for 130 in just 18.2 overs, a total that always looked below par on the Perth surface.

Jhye Richardson leads ruthless Scorchers bowling effort

Perth’s bowling attack was sharp and disciplined, led superbly by Jhye Richardson. The right-arm quick ripped through the middle order with figures of 4 for 16, consistently hitting the right lengths and extracting bounce. Cooper Connolly complemented him well with two wickets, while David Payne and Mahli Beardman chipped in to ensure the Stars never gained momentum.

The Scorchers’ bowlers collectively squeezed the run flow, forcing risky shots and capitalising on fielding pressure. Melbourne’s inability to rotate strike proved costly as wickets fell in clusters, turning a potentially competitive innings into a sub-140 total.

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Finn Allen powers Scorchers to emphatic chase

In reply, Perth Scorchers were briefly tested early when Mitchell Marsh departed for 12, but Finn Allen quickly took control of the chase. The New Zealand opener unleashed a stunning display of power-hitting, smashing 69 off just 39 balls, including seven towering sixes. His aggressive approach completely deflated the Stars’ bowling plans and shifted the momentum firmly in Perth’s favour.

While wickets fell at the other end, Aaron Hardie played the perfect supporting role with a composed 41 off 37 balls. Together, Allen and Hardie ensured there were no late hiccups, guiding the Scorchers to 134 for 4 in 16.5 overs. Haris Rauf was the standout bowler for the Stars with three wickets, but the target proved too small to defend.

Perth Scorchers got the better of Melbourne Stars 💪#BBL15 pic.twitter.com/40buXISyp2

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 17, 2026

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