Perth Scorchers emerged victorious in a closely contested match against the Melbourne Stars, winning by 13 runs in the 3rd game of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2024 on Sunday (October 27) Batting first, the Scorchers managed to set a target of 123, thanks to key contributions from Beth Mooney and Amy Jones. The Stars struggled to build partnerships in their chase, with Ines McKeon’s lone half-century effort proving insufficient. Chloe Ainsworth’s disciplined bowling (2/18) played a decisive role, earning her the Player of the Match award. Alana King’s three-wicket haul also contributed significantly to the Scorchers’ solid defense.

Perth Scorchers struggle but post-defendable target

The Scorchers set a modest total of 122/8 on the board after opting to bat first. Despite losing early wickets, skipper Mooney (31 off 27) and Amy Jones (30 off 28) managed to stabilize the innings. Mooney’s steady start with five boundaries was cut short by Sophie Day, while Jones offered support until she was dismissed by Annabel Sutherland. Middle-order contributions from Chloe Piparo (23 off 19) added crucial runs, but the Scorchers struggled against Melbourne’s disciplined bowling. Sophie (3/21) and Kim Garth (2/23) capitalized on the Scorchers’ faltering lineup, limiting their scoring pace and taking wickets at regular intervals.

Chloe Ainsworth and Alana King shine in the defense

Defending a below-par target of 123, the Scorchers bowlers stepped up to stifle the Stars. Ainsworth and King led the charge, taking crucial wickets to keep the Stars under pressure. Ainsworth (2/18) removed opener Meg Lanning early and returned to dismiss Sutherland, leaving the Stars reeling. King was equally effective, taking 3/20, including the prized wicket of top-scorer McKeon, who threatened with a brisk 50 off 43 balls. King’s spell kept the Stars from building partnerships, and she dismissed tail-enders to ensure a comfortable defense.

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Ines McKeon’s lone effort in vain

For the Stars, McKeon was the standout batter, scoring a resilient half-century. Coming in after the early dismissal of Lanning, McKeon played positively, hitting five boundaries and two sixes to keep the chase alive. She received little support from her teammates, with key players like Sutherland and Marizanne Kapp departing cheaply. McKeon’s resistance ended in the 16th over, marking a turning point that saw the Stars’ hopes fade. Her dismissal left the Stars at 95/7, and they struggled to reach the target, eventually bowled out for 109.

Ainsworth’s all-around performance earned her the Player of the Match award. Her bowling spell was pivotal, taking key wickets and keeping the run rate under control with an economy of 4.50. Ainsworth’s early breakthrough and her dismissal of Sutherland provided Scorchers the momentum needed to defend their score. Her impactful performance, along with King’s support, helped secure a 13-run victory for the Scorchers, opening their WBBL campaign on a high note.

Perth Scorchers bowled out the Melbourne Stars for 109 and won by 13 runs.

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— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) October 27, 2024

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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