Big Bash League 2025/26: BBL|15 Match 26 – Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Renegades

Date: Wednesday, 7th January 2026
Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth
Start Time: 08:15 AM GMT | 01:45 PM IST | 04:15 PM Local

Match Preview

The Big Bash League (BBL) 2025/26 is set for a thrilling encounter as the Perth Scorchers host the Melbourne Renegades at the Optus Stadium in Perth. This BBL|15 Match 26 promises to be a high-stakes clash between two teams with contrasting recent performances and a closely contested history.

The Scorchers, riding high on a three-match winning streak at home, will be eager to extend their dominance and continue their strong campaign. The Renegades, on the other hand, are coming off a morale-boosting win against the Melbourne Stars and will be looking to capitalize on their improved form and recent success over the Scorchers.

With the toss expected to favor the Scorchers, and the pitch at Optus Stadium typically offering a balance between batting and bowling, the match is set for a nail-biting finish.

Current Form

Perth Scorchers

Perth has been in excellent form at home, with their recent wins highlighting their depth and consistency. Key performers include:

• Mitchell Marsh, the all-rounder who can turn the game with both bat and ball.
• Cooper Connolly, who has been dominant with the ball, offering both pace and precision.
• Ashton Turner, the captain who has been in scintillating form, averaging over 50 in the tournament.
• Aaron Hardie, a versatile all-rounder who contributes significantly with both bat and ball.

Melbourne Renegades

After a shaky start to the season, the Renegades have shown signs of improvement. Their recent win over the Stars has given them a much-needed boost. Key contributors include:

• Tim Seifert, the wicketkeeper-batter who has been a consistent run-scorer.
• Josh Brown, a dynamic batter with a good strike rate.
• Gurinder Sandhu, the spin spearhead who has been lethal in the middle overs.
• Callum Stow, a pace bowler who has been exceptional in terms of economy and wicket-taking.

Players to Watch

Perth Scorchers

• Aaron Hardie: A match-winner in the making with 176 runs and 7 wickets in the tournament.
• Joel Paris: The top bowler with 10 wickets at a stunning average of 17.7.
• Ashton Turner: The Scorchers' batting linchpin, averaging over 50 in the tournament.

Melbourne Renegades

• Callum Stow: A key bowler with 14 wickets at an average of 13.85.
• Josh Brown: A valuable batter who averages 33.6 and has a high boundary rate.
• Gurinder Sandhu: A spin threat with 10 wickets in five games at an average of 17.8.

Head-to-Head (Last 5 Matches)

• Perth Scorchers: 2 wins
• Melbourne Renegades: 2 wins

The rivalry is tight, with both teams having tasted success in recent encounters. However, the Scorchers have the advantage of home conditions and a strong batting lineup.

Venue Analysis – Optus Stadium, Perth

Average 1st Innings Score (2022–2026):

• 2022: 139.33
• 2023: 166.38
• 2024: 179.57
• 2025: 149.60
• 2026: 153.00

Bowling Averages and Economy Rates:

• Fast Bowlers: Average 22.85; Economy Rate 7.95; Balls per Wicket 17.2
• Spin Bowlers: Average 27.71; Economy Rate 7.97; Balls per Wicket 20.8

Win Percentage Based on Innings:

• Batting First: 36.7%
• Batting Second: 63.3%

Given the historical data, teams batting second have a slight edge at Optus Stadium, which could influence the toss decision and strategy.

Squads

Perth Scorchers

• Ashton Turner (c), Finn Allen, Laurie Evans, Josh Inglis, Ashton Agar, Mahli Beardman, Cooper Connolly, Sam Fanning, Aaron Hardie, Nick Hobson, Bryce Jackson, Matthew Kelly, Lance Morris, Joel Paris, David Payne, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Marsh.

Melbourne Renegades

• Will Sutherland (c), Tim Seifert, Muhammad Rizwan, Jason Behrendorff, Josh Brown, Harry Dixon, Brendan Doggett, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Caleb Jewell, Hassan Khan, Nathan Lyon, Fergus O’Neill, Ollie Peake, Tom Rogers, Will Salzmann, Gurinder Sandhu, Callum Stow, Adam Zampa.

Match Predictions

• Toss Winner: Perth Scorchers
• Match Winner: Perth Scorchers
• Top Batter (Runs): Cooper Connolly (Perth Scorchers), Hassan Khan (Melbourne Renegades)
• Top Bowler (Wickets): Joel Paris (Perth Scorchers), Gurinder Sandhu (Melbourne Renegades)
• Most Sixes: Ashton Turner (Perth Scorchers), Hassan Khan (Melbourne Renegades)
• Player of the Match: Cooper Connolly (Perth Scorchers)
• Team Scores (Batting First):
  • Perth Scorchers: 150+
  • Melbourne Renegades: 140+

Key Insights

• Ashton Turner is the key to the Scorchers' success; the team wins 65% of the time when he scores over 50, and he rarely leaves the ball alone.
• Josh Brown is a boundary machine, with a 24% strike rate for boundaries in domestic games.
• Callum Stow is a consistent performer, with an economy rate below 6.00 in 62% of his domestic games.
• Jason Behrendorff is a dangerous Powerplay bowler, taking 58% of wickets during that phase in domestic games.

Final Verdict

This is a match that promises fireworks from both teams. While the Scorchers have the advantage of home conditions and a strong batting line-up, the Renegades are a resilient side with a good balance between bat and ball. With the toss likely to go to Perth, and the Scorchers in great form, they are slight favorites to win. However, with the Renegades showing signs of improvement and a history of beating the Scorchers, this match could be a thriller.

Prediction: Perth Scorchers to win by a narrow margin.
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