Perth Scorchers and Adelaide Strikers started their Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) campaigns with impressive victories on Saturday. Scorchers defeated Melbourne Renegades by nine wickets, while Strikers beat Melbourne Stars by 21 runs.
Perth Scorchers dominated the match against Renegades, who struggled early and lost four wickets for just 20 runs. Chloe Ainsworth and Fatima Sana picked up two wickets each. Georgia Wareham (62) and Nicole Faltum (48) helped Renegades recover with a 109-run partnership, taking their team to 136 for 6.
In reply, Beth Mooney scored an unbeaten 58, while Sophie Devine remained not out on 47. Their brilliant partnership helped Scorchers chase the target comfortably in just 13.5 overs, with 39 balls remaining.
In the second match, Adelaide Strikers defeated Melbourne Stars by 21 runs. Laura Wolvaardt played an excellent innings of 70 runs, while captain Tahlia McGrath scored an unbeaten 43. Madeline Penna also impressed with an unbeaten 36 off just 13 balls, helping Strikers post 185 for 2.
Despite missing key fast bowlers Megan Schutt and Darcie Brown, Strikers' bowlers performed brilliantly. Amanda-Jade Wellington took three wickets, while Eleanor Larosa and Sophie Ecclestone picked up two wickets each.
Melbourne Stars managed 164 for 7 in their chase, with Rhys McKenna scoring 40 and Meg Lanning adding 32. However, their efforts were not enough as Adelaide Strikers secured a 21-run victory to begin their WBBL campaign on a winning note.