WBBL 2026: Sophie Devine's fifty and wickets power Scorchers to the double over Stars

Perth Scorchers Women defeated Melbourne Stars Women by six wickets in the 16th match of the 2026-27 Women's Big Bash League season. Chasing 137, the Scorchers reached the target in 15 overs with 30 balls to spare, completing a convincing victory against a Stars side that had posted 136 for 6. This is the Scorchers' second victory over the Stars this season, having won the first encounter by 15 runs.

Sophie Devine was the central figure in Perth's chase, reaching her half-century from just 21 deliveries. Her innings included seven fours and three sixes. Devine was named Player of the Match for her batting display and 2 wickets.

The Scorchers were aggressive from the first ball, reaching 37 for 1 after four overs and passing fifty in 4.4 overs. Perth crossed 100 in 9.3 overs and stood at 109 for 3 at the halfway point of the chase, with Mooney on 28 and Mikayla Hinkley on ten. Although Melbourne slowed the scoring during Perth's Power Surge, conceding only 11 runs and taking one wicket, the early acceleration had already placed the Scorchers well ahead of the required rate. Perth completed the chase at the end of the 15th over.

With this win, the Scorchers return to the top of the table, and are once again alongside Sydney Sixers one of two teams that have won all their matches this season.

How did Melbourne Stars build their total of 136?

Melbourne made a measured start, reaching 19 without loss at the end of the four-over powerplay. Perth made inroads thereafter, reducing the Stars to 49 for 2 after 8.4 overs, with the experienced Meg Lanning on 28 at that stage. Lanning and Annabel Sutherland steadied the innings, taking Melbourne to 63 for 2 at the halfway point.

Lanning went on to reach her half-century from 39 balls, hitting nine fours in the process. Melbourne brought up 100 at the end of the 15th over, but their Power Surge produced only 13 runs for the loss of one wicket. The Stars closed on 136 for 6, setting Perth a target of 137. Lanning finished as the top-scorer for the Stars, scoring 56 off 46 balls.

What did Devine's all-round display mean for the Scorchers' result?

Devine's batting was the decisive factor in Perth's six-wicket win. She reached her half-century off just 21 balls, and stitched a 72-run stand off just 31 balls for the second wicket with skipper Mooney. The big-hitting New Zealand icon's blistering knock comes as a return to normalcy after being retired out midway through the innings during the Scorchers' previous match against the Sydney Thunder.

Devine also contributed with the ball, claiming 2 wickets to add to her batting effort. Her Player of the Match award reflected her influence across both departments. Mooney and Hinkley provided support in the middle overs to ensure Perth crossed the line without alarm, completing the chase with 30 balls remaining.