Perth Scorchers cruise through by 9 wickets at WACA to thump Melbourne Renegades
The Perth Scorchers made a commanding start to the WBBL 2026 season by dismantling the Melbourne Renegades at the WACA Ground, posting a 9-wicket victory. Chasing 136, the Scorchers finished on 138 for 1 with 39 balls remaining, thanks to an unbeaten 58 from captain Beth Mooney and a crucial 47 not out from Sophie Devine.
Devine sealed the win with back-to-back sixes off Georgia Wareham, while the Renegades’ top order collapsed spectacularly, losing four wickets for just five runs in the powerplay. Seamers Chloe Ainsworth and Fatima Sana—making her WBBL debut—each claimed two wickets to stifle Melbourne’s early momentum, though Georgia Wareham and Nicole Faltum steadied the ship with a 109-run fifth-wicket partnership.
Despite the late recovery, the Renegades fell short, extending their winless streak into the new campaign. The Scorchers’ disciplined bowling and composed batting set a strong tone for their season, while Melbourne’s fragile top order remains a concern after another heavy defeat.
