Melbourne Renegades vs Perth Scorchers Match Preview – BBL|15 Match 36

Match Details

• Date: Thursday, 15th January 2026
• Venue: Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
• Start Time: 08:15 AM GMT | 01:45 PM IST | 07:15 PM Local Time
• League: Big Bash League 2025/26

Team Form

Melbourne Renegades

Melbourne Renegades are in a tricky situation, having won only three of their eight matches so far. A recent heavy loss to Adelaide Strikers has left them with a must-win mindset for the final two games of their campaign. Their batting line-up has been inconsistent, though Josh Brown and Tim Seifert have shown glimpses of form. In the field, the likes of Gurinder Sandhu and Jason Behrendorff have provided crucial breakthroughs.

Perth Scorchers

Perth Scorchers, on the other hand, are in a much healthier position, sitting second in the table with five wins from eight games. A recent win over the Strikers has given them a shot at the playoffs, and they will be eager to continue their momentum. Mitchell Marsh has been in red-hot form with the bat, while Cooper Connolly and David Payne have been effective with the ball.

Players to Watch

Melbourne Renegades

• Josh Brown (305 runs @ 160.52): The Renegades’ top run-scorer, Brown will be crucial in anchoring the innings and accelerating when required.
• Gurinder Sandhu (18 wickets @ 15.44): The leg-spinner has been a consistent threat, with a tight economy rate that makes him a key match-winner.
• Tim Seifert (219 runs @ 148): The wicketkeeper has been a reliable source of runs in the top order.

Perth Scorchers

• Mitchell Marsh (279 runs @ 140.2): The Australian captain has been in scintillating form, with a strike rate that can change the game in a flash.
• Cooper Connolly (9 wickets @ 6.91): One of the most economical fast bowlers in the tournament, Connolly is a key threat to the opposition.
• Ashton Turner (196 runs + 3 wickets): The all-rounder’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a match-winner in tight contests.

Head-to-Head Record (Last 5 Matches)

Despite the Scorchers' recent form, the Renegades have had the upper hand in their most recent encounters.

Venue Stats – Docklands Stadium, Melbourne (2022–2026)

• Average 1st Innings Score (2026): 165.0
• Winning Percentage (Batting Second): 69.5%
• Wickets per Innings (2nd Innings): 5.91
• Powerplay Wickets: 1.75
• Middle Overs Wickets: 2.57
• Death Overs Wickets: 2.17

The pitch at Docklands has been a batting-friendly surface, with teams batting second holding a clear advantage.

Squads

Melbourne Renegades

• Will Sutherland (c), Tim Seifert (wk), Muhammad Rizwan (wk), 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 Srow, Adam Zampa

Perth Scorchers

• Ashton Turner (c), Finn Allen (wk), Laurie Evans (wk), Josh Inglis (wk), 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

Match Predictions

• Toss Winner: Perth Scorchers
• Match Winner: Perth Scorchers
• Top Batter: Mitchell Marsh (Perth Scorchers)
• Top Bowler: Gurinder Sandhu (Melbourne Renegades)
• Most Sixes: Josh Brown (Melbourne Renegades), Mitchell Marsh (Perth Scorchers)
• Player of the Match: Mitchell Marsh (Perth Scorchers)
• Expected Scores:
  • Melbourne Renegades (batting first): 160–170
  • Perth Scorchers (batting second): 165–175

Key Stats

• Mitchell Marsh: Perth wins 65% of their games when he scores 50+.
• Josh Brown: Boundary rate of 24% in domestic innings.
• Cooper Connolly: Economy rate of 6.91, with 9 wickets in 7 games.
• Gurinder Sandhu: 18 wickets @ 15.44 with an economy of 9.92.
• Jason Behrendorff: 58% of his wickets come in the powerplay.

Weather and Pitch Conditions

• Temperature: 23–24°C
• Weather: Clear skies, ideal for a full match
• Pitch: Batting-friendly with consistent bounce and pace. Fast bowlers may get some early movement, especially under lights.

Tactical Insights

• Powerplay Overs (1–6): Crucial for the bowlers to pick early wickets. Cooper Connolly and Gurinder Sandhu could be key.
• Middle Overs (7–15): A phase where partnerships are built. Mitchell Marsh and Josh Brown will be pivotal.
• Death Overs (16–20): Decisive for both teams. The bowlers with tight lines and variations will be key.
• Strategic Call: The team winning the toss may prefer to bowl first, given the advantage of batting second at this venue.

Final Verdict

With a strong batting line-up led by Mitchell Marsh and a disciplined bowling attack, Perth Scorchers are slight favorites in this high-stakes encounter. However, the Renegades will be playing with their backs against the wall, and their home advantage at Docklands could provide a much-needed spark. This match promises fireworks, and it's one not to be missed.

Prediction: Perth Scorchers to win by 6–8 runs.
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