Devine's Masterclass Seals Scorchers Victory
The Perth Scorchers have secured their second victory of the Women's Big Bash League season, cruising to an eight-wicket win over the Adelaide Strikers in a rain-affected encounter at Melbourne on Sunday. Captain Sophie Devine produced a match-winning performance that dismantled the Strikers' batting lineup and set up a comfortable chase for her team.
Strikers Collapse Under Pressure
The veteran New Zealand all-rounder delivered an exceptional bowling spell, finishing with impressive figures of 3-12 from her three overs. Her most significant moment came immediately when she clean bowled Australian vice-captain Tahlia McGrath with her very first delivery to the dangerous batter. The ball shaped into McGrath's pads before straightening off the pitch and clipping the top of middle stump in what proved to be a decisive blow.
Despite fighting contributions from Ellie Johnston, who made 33 from just 21 balls, and tailender Megan Schutt remaining not out on 16 from 11 deliveries, the Strikers never fully recovered from Devine's early breakthrough. They were eventually bowled out for 112 in the 18th over, setting what appeared to be a competitive target before weather intervened.
Debutant Strange Shines in Memorable First Outing
The performance of Ruby Strange on her WBBL debut provided another major highlight for the Scorchers. The Queenslander claimed two important wickets, including the prized scalp of England opener Tammy Beaumont. After Beaumont had hit one boundary in Strange's first over, her attempt to repeat the shot only found the safe hands of Katie Mack on the leg-side boundary.
Strange returned later in the innings to claim the final wicket, with Darcie Brown stumped without scoring thanks to some sharp work from wicketkeeper Beth Mooney.
The Scorchers' run chase began disastrously when in-form batter Beth Mooney edged her Australian teammate Darcie Brown through to wicketkeeper Bridget Patterson from the very first ball she faced. However, opening partner Katie Mack steadied the innings, finishing 24 not out from 30 balls after benefiting from a missed stumping chance earlier in her innings.
Rain arrived with the Scorchers positioned at 2-55 in the 10th over, and with no further play possible, their victory was confirmed under the Duckworth-Lewis method. The result means the Scorchers will now travel to Sydney to complete their four-game road trip against Sydney Thunder on Wednesday night.
