WBBL 2025 Knockout Preview: Perth Scorchers Women vs Melbourne Stars Women – December 9

Date: Tuesday, 9th December 2025
Venue: Western Australia Cricket Association Ground, Perth
Start Time: 08:10 AM GMT | 02:40 PM IST | 04:45 PM Local

Match Overview

The Women’s Big Bash League 2025 knockout stage kicks off with a high-stakes clash between the Perth Scorchers Women and the Melbourne Stars Women at the W.A.C.A. Ground in Perth. With a third-place finish in the regular season, Perth Scorchers have secured their spot in the playoffs, while Melbourne Stars, fourth-placed, are looking to bounce back from a three-match losing streak and prove their mettle in a must-win scenario.

This match will set the tone for the rest of the playoffs, as the winner will go on to face Sydney Sixers Women in the next round.

Team Form and Key Players

Perth Scorchers Women

• Form: The Scorchers have been in fine form this season, with a balanced approach in both batting and bowling. Their recent win against the Sixers showcased their ability to chase under pressure.
• Key Players:
  • Beth Mooney (wk): The Scorchers' batting mainstay, Mooney has been in scintillating form, scoring crucial runs in the middle and lower order.
  • Sophie Devine (c): The captain has been a consistent performer with both bat and ball, often dictating the tempo of the game.
  • Chloe Ainsworth & Lilly Mills: Their pace attack has been a key factor in restricting oppositions, particularly in the early overs.

Melbourne Stars Women

• Form: The Stars have had an inconsistent campaign, with a dip in performance over the last few matches. They will need to rediscover their rhythm quickly to avoid an early exit.
• Key Players:
  • Meg Lanning: The experienced opener has been a rock for the Stars, but her recent form has been a cause for concern.
  • Annabel Sutherland (c): The captain has been a standout with the ball, her ability to swing the new ball and pick up quick wickets is crucial.
  • Kim Garth: A world-class all-rounder, Garth has been the backbone of the Stars' middle and death overs, with 13 wickets at an economy of 7.03 this season.

Head-to-Head Record

• Matches Played: 22
• Won by Perth Scorchers Women: 12
• Won by Melbourne Stars Women: 10
• Last Meeting: The Scorchers recently edged out a tight win over the Stars in early November, with Devine and Mooney starring with the bat.

Pitch and Weather Report

• Pitch Conditions: The W.A.C.A. Ground is a fast and bouncy track that favors seam bowlers, especially in the early overs. The average first-innings score is around 170, and teams batting second often find it easier to chase.
• Weather Forecast: Clear skies are expected with temperatures in the mid-20s, ensuring ideal playing conditions with no interruptions anticipated.

Predicted Playing 11s

Perth Scorchers Women (11)

• Beth Mooney (wk)
• Katie Mack
• Maddy Darke
• Sophie Devine (c)
• Paige Scholfield
• Freya Kemp
• Alana King
• Chloe Ainsworth
• Lilly Mills
• Ruby Strange
• Amy Edgar

Melbourne Stars Women (11)

• Meg Lanning
• Rhys McKenna
• Amy Jones (wk)
• Annabel Sutherland (c)
• Maia Bouchier
• Danielle Gibson
• Kim Garth
• Sasha Moloney
• Georgia Prestwidge
• Maisy Gibson
• Sophie Day

Match Prediction

The Perth Scorchers are slight favorites going into this match, thanks to their superior form, better balance in the XI, and the home advantage. The W.A.C.A. pitch is expected to assist their pace battery early on, and with Sophie Devine leading the charge and Beth Mooney in red-hot form, the Scorchers are well-equipped to post a competitive total.

However, Melbourne Stars cannot be underestimated. If Annabel Sutherland and Kim Garth can pick up early wickets and Meg Lanning can stabilize the top order, the Stars can still pull off a surprise. The toss may be a decider, with the toss winner likely to choose to bat first and take advantage of the early conditions.

Prediction: Perth Scorchers Women to win by 5-10 runs.

Fantasy Cricket Tips

Captain/Vice-Captain (PSW):

• Captain: Sophie Devine – All-round threat with bat and ball.
• Vice-Captain: Beth Mooney – Match-winning potential, especially in chasing.

Captain/Vice-Captain (MSW):

• Captain: Kim Garth – Consistent wicket-taker and useful lower-order run-scorer.
• Vice-Captain: Annabel Sutherland – Key bowler and aggressive batter.

Top Wicket-Takers:

• Chloe Ainsworth (PSW)
• Sophie Day (MSW)

Top Run-Scorers:

• Beth Mooney (PSW)
• Kim Garth (MSW)

For the latest updates, live scores, and post-match analysis, stay tuned to our cricket coverage.

#Cricket #WBBL2025 #PSWvsMSW #FantasyTips #MatchPrediction
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