Veteran allrounder Sophie Devine produced a brilliant bowling performance to guide Perth Scorchers to a 15-run victory over Melbourne Stars in the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) at Junction Oval on Monday. After struggling to post 124/9 in their 20 overs, the Scorchers made an impressive comeback with the ball, restricting the Stars to 109 in 18.1 overs. Devine was the standout performer, claiming four wickets for just 19 runs to earn the Player of the Match award.
Defending a modest target of 125, Perth made an early impact as Devine dismissed Australia's Annabel Sutherland for a duck and England captain Charlie Dean for 13. Dean was brilliantly stumped by new Scorchers captain Beth Mooney, who also impressed behind the stumps with a sharp catch. Despite losing early wickets, Melbourne remained in the contest thanks to captain Meg Lanning, who top-scored with 41 runs. The Stars were well placed at 79/4, but Lanning's dismissal shifted the momentum in Perth's favour.
Leg-spinner Alana King then delivered a decisive spell, taking three wickets for 17 runs, including a double-wicket maiden in the 18th over. Her effort helped the Scorchers bowl out Melbourne for 109 and secure a crucial victory. Earlier, Perth had a difficult time with the bat after making a promising start at 36 without loss during the powerplay. However, the introduction of spin changed the course of the innings as Melbourne's bowlers exploited the conditions.
The Scorchers slipped from 70/2 to 76/7, with Sophie Day, Charlie Dean and Maisy Gibson claiming two wickets each. England wicketkeeper Amy Jones also impressed behind the stumps, taking four catches, including two excellent leg-side efforts. Beth Mooney, who has taken over the captaincy from longtime skipper Devine, scored 17 runs, while Alana King contributed 18 before being run out after a shot struck her foot.
Despite managing only 124/9, Perth's bowlers delivered an outstanding performance to defend the total. Devine's four-wicket haul and King's crucial contribution ensured the Scorchers secured a memorable 15-run win in a low-scoring WBBL encounter.