WBBL 2024: Chloe Ainsworth guides Perth Scorchers to victory over Melbourne Stars in low-scoring game

Perth Scorchers came out victorious in the game it had been competing with Melbourne Starswon by 13 runs in the 3rd match of the Womens Big Bash League (WBBL) 2024 Sunday (October 27) Batting first, the Scorchers managed to set themselves a target of 123, thanks to important contributions from Beth Mooney again Amy Jones. The Stars have struggled to form partnerships in the chase, with Ines McKeonOne century’s effort seems insufficient. Chloe AinsworthBrilliant bowling (2/18) played a crucial role, earning him the Man of the Match award. Alana King’s three-wicket haul also contributed a lot to the Scorchers’ strong defence.

Perth Scorchers are struggling but a defensive target at the back

The Scorchers set a modest total of 122/8 on the board after opting to bat first. Despite losing early wickets, captain Mooney (31 off 27) and Amy Jones (30 off 28) managed to stabilize the innings. Mooney’s strong start with five boundaries was cut short Sophie Daywhile Jones provided support until he was fired by Annabelle Sutherland. Middle-order contributions from Chloe Piparo (23 off 19) added valuable runs, but the Scorchers struggled against Melbourne’s brilliant bowling. Sophie (3/21) and Kim Garth (2/23) exploited a shaky Scorchers line-up, limiting their batting pace and taking wickets at regular intervals.

Chloe Ainsworth and Alana King shine in defence

Defending a target of less than 123, the Scorchers bowlers stepped up to stop the Stars. Ainsworth and King led the way, taking key wickets to keep the Stars under pressure. Ainsworth (2/18) pitched the starter Meg Lanning early on he came back and fired Sutherland, leaving the Stars reeling. King was equally successful, taking 3/20, including the prized wicket of top-scorer McKeon, who threatened a quick 50 off 43 balls. King’s skill made it impossible for the Stars to form partnerships, and he chased the tail players to ensure the defense was relaxed.

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Ines McKeon’s lone attempt was in vain

For the Stars, McKeon was the standout player, hitting a half-century. Coming in after Lanning’s early dismissal, McKeon played well, hitting five boundaries and two sixes to keep the chase alive. He received little support from his colleagues, and key players such as Sutherland and Marizanne Kapp it starts cheap. McKeon’s tenacity ended in the 16th over, which meant that the Stars’ hopes were dashed. His dismissal left the Stars at 95/7, struggling to reach the target, and ended up scoring 109.

Ainsworth’s performance earned him the man of the match award. His bowling was crucial, taking important wickets and keeping the run rate under control with an economy of 4.50. Ainsworth’s early success and Sutherland’s dismissal gave the Scorchers the momentum they needed to secure their points. His impressive performance, along with King’s support, helped secure a 13-run win for the Scorchers, opening their WBBL campaign on a high note.

Perth Scorchers bowled out Melbourne Stars for 109 runs and won by 13 runs.

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– WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) October 27, 2024

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This article was originally published on WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.