The 38th match of the 2024 Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) pits Perth Scorchers Women against Hobart Hurricanes Women in a crucial encounter as the tournament nears its playoff stage. Currently sitting in fourth place, the Scorchers will aim to consolidate their position with a win. The Hurricanes, placed sixth, are in a must-win scenario to stay in playoff contention.
The Hurricanes defeated the Scorchers convincingly earlier in the season, which will give them confidence. However, the Scorchers’ form at home and a recent tie against Sydney Sixers Women underline their resilience.
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Perth Scorchers Women
The Scorchers are coming off a tied match against the Sydney Sixers Women, thanks to their balanced bowling attack. With just one group game left, this is a vital match to solidify their playoff spot.
- Batting:
- Beth Mooney, with 336 runs in 9 matches, has been exceptional and remains the backbone of the batting unit.
- Sophie Devine and Brooke Halliday have chipped in with crucial runs in recent games and are expected to play pivotal roles again.
- Bowling:
- Alana King, the league’s highest wicket-taker with 20 scalps, continues to be the standout performer with her clever variations.
- Chloe Ainsworth and Carly Leeson have complemented King well, ensuring the Scorchers maintain pressure in the middle and death overs.
Key Players: Beth Mooney, Sophie Devine, Alana King
Predicted Playing XI:
Maddy Darke, Beth Mooney (wk), Dayalan Hemalatha, Amy Louise Edgar, Sophie Devine (c), Brooke Halliday, Mikayla Hinkley, Carly Leeson, Alana King, Chloe Ainsworth, Ebony Hoskin
Hobart Hurricanes Women
After back-to-back defeats, the Hurricanes find themselves in a precarious position. Their batting has been inconsistent, and they will need a collective effort to bounce back in this do-or-die encounter.
- Batting:
- Lizelle Lee has been in stellar form, scoring 332 runs in 9 matches at a strike rate of 159.6, and remains the key to their success.
- Nicola Carey and Elyse Villani have provided stability in the middle order and will need to anchor the innings.
- Bowling:
- Heather Graham, with 12 wickets this season, has led the attack and will need to exploit the pace-friendly conditions at the W.A.C.A.
- Nicola Carey has also contributed significantly with the ball, picking up 10 wickets, while Molly Strano brings experience to the attack.
Key Players: Lizelle Lee, Nicola Carey, Heather Graham
Predicted Playing XI:
Lizelle Lee (wk), Elyse Villani (c), Nicola Carey, Heather Graham, Suzie Bates, Chloe Tryon, Tabatha Saville, Kathryn Bryce, Molly Strano, Amy Smith, Lauren Smith
Pitch and Weather Conditions
Pitch Report
The W.A.C.A. Ground in Perth is a venue that offers consistent bounce and carry, making it an ideal setting for fast bowlers, especially with the new ball. Batters who can adapt to the bounce will enjoy playing their strokes once set.
- Average First Innings Score: 140
- Par Score: 150-160 runs
- Batting Advantage: Teams batting first have won all four games played here this season.
Weather Forecast
The weather in Perth is expected to be clear and breezy, with no threat of rain. The temperature will hover around 22°C, ensuring ideal conditions for cricket.
Toss Prediction
Both teams will look to bat first, given the W.A.C.A. track’s tendency to favor teams setting a target. With all four matches at the venue this season won by teams batting first, the toss will be crucial.
Winning Prediction
The Perth Scorchers Women have been strong at home, winning three out of four matches at the W.A.C.A. Their balanced unit, led by Alana King and Beth Mooney, gives them the edge. The Hurricanes, despite their earlier win over the Scorchers, have struggled for consistency and are under pressure to deliver in this must-win game.
Prediction: Perth Scorchers Women to win!
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