BackPerth Scorchers registered a hard-fought 15-run victory over Melbourne Stars in the eighth match of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2026 at Junction Oval on November 2. Defending a modest total of 124/9, the Scorchers produced an impressive bowling performance to restrict the hosts to 109 in 18.1 overs.
One of the standout moments of the contest came early in Melbourne’s chase when young pacer Chloe Ainsworth pulled off a stunning diving catch to send Amy Jones back to the pavilion. The effort added to Ainsworth’s impressive contribution in the match, having also scored 16 runs and picked up a wicket with the ball.
The dismissal took place in the fourth ball of the fourth over of the Melbourne Stars’ innings. Sophie Devine bowled a delivery that Jones attempted to negotiate, but the batter ended up offering a catch.
Ainsworth reacted quickly and completed an acrobatic diving catch to send Jones back for 18 off 16 deliveries, which included three boundaries. The wicket gave the Scorchers an important breakthrough as they looked to defend their total.
Chloe Ainsworth out here making it look easy 😎#WBBL12 pic.twitter.com/4RZA6Ic16b
— Weber Women's Big Bash League (@WBBL) November 2, 2026
Earlier, the Perth Scorchers managed to post 124/9 after being asked to bat first. Beth Mooney scored 17, while Alana King and Ainsworth contributed 18 and 16 respectively to help the side reach a competitive total. Sophie Day and Maisy Gibson picked up two wickets apiece for the Stars.
In response, Meg Lanning top-scored with 41 off 36 deliveries but struggled to find consistent support from the other end. Devine led the Scorchers’ bowling attack with figures of 4/19, while King claimed 3/17. Georgia Prestwidge scored 13 late in the innings, but the Stars were eventually bowled out for 109 in 18.1 overs, handing Perth a 15-run win.
Brilliant bowling performance from Perth Scorchers 🔥
– Sophie Devine and Alana King were the standout bowlers 🏏#PerthScorchers #WBBL pic.twitter.com/hqrzDWVm5Y
— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) November 2, 2026
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.