Melbourne Stars vs Perth Scorchers, WBBL Match 8 2026: Devine’s Four-Wicket Haul Seals 15-Run Win

Perth Scorchers defended 124/9 to beat Melbourne Stars by 15 runs. Perth won WBBL Match 8 at Junction Oval, Melbourne, on 2 November 2026, after Melbourne Stars were bowled out for 109 in 18.1 overs, chasing 125. Perth had earlier posted 124 for 9 in 20 overs, and their bowlers defended that low total with 11 balls to spare. Sophie Devine was named Player of the Match for a decisive all-round contribution, taking 4 for 19 and scoring 11, as Perth turned a tense, low-scoring contest in their favour. Melbourne Stars won the toss and chose to bowl first, a decision that initially looked promising, but Perth held their nerve when it mattered most.

Match story

Perth’s innings began with promise before collapsing in dramatic fashion. After reaching 70 for 2, the Scorchers lost five wickets for just six runs, slipping to 76 for 7 as Melbourne’s bowlers seized control. Maisy Gibson and Sophie Day led the squeeze, and the Stars looked set to keep Perth to a very small total. The collapse, however, did not end the innings, because Perth’s lower order found a way back into the match.

Lilly Mills finished 13 not out and helped Perth recover to 124 for 9 from their 20 overs, with Chloe Ainsworth making 16 and other contributions keeping the scoreboard moving. Beth Mooney top-scored early with 17 off 15 balls, Alana King made 18 off 21 and Katie Mack added 12, while Sophie Devine contributed 11. Those runs, modest on their own, gave Perth something to defend, and the total proved more competitive than it first appeared at Junction Oval.

Melbourne’s chase was led by Meg Lanning, who made 41 off 36 balls, and the Stars reached 79 before the match turned again. Amy Jones added 18, while Charlotte Dean and Georgia Prestwidge each made 13, but the chase lost momentum under sustained pressure. Devine took 4 for 19, dismissing Annabel Sutherland for 0 and Charlotte Dean, and King claimed 3 for 17, including a double-wicket maiden in the 18th over, as Melbourne were bowled out for 109 in 18.1 overs. For the build-up to this fixture, see the Melbourne Stars vs Perth Scorchers preview.

Key performances

Devine’s match-winning spell was the defining performance, but several other players shaped the result. Her 4 for 19 broke Melbourne’s chase at key moments, while King’s 3 for 17, including that double-wicket maiden in the 18th over, closed the door completely. Sutherland also produced a memorable moment in the field, taking a stunning catch to dismiss Devine, a reminder that individual brilliance was present on both sides even in a low-scoring game.

• Sophie Devine: 4 for 19, plus 11 runs, and Player of the Match.
• Alana King: 3 for 17, plus 18 off 21 balls.
• Meg Lanning: 41 off 36 balls, leading Melbourne’s chase.
• Maisy Gibson: 2 for 10, and Sophie Day: 2 for 17, leading the Stars’ bowling.
• Annabel Sutherland: a stunning catch to dismiss Devine, despite falling for 0 with the bat.

What it means

For Perth, this was a defence built on belief and discipline. A total of 124 for 9 rarely feels safe in T20 cricket, yet their bowlers used scoreboard pressure, tight lines and timely wickets to make Melbourne’s chase increasingly difficult. Devine and King were central to that plan, striking when the Stars threatened to take control and ensuring that no partnership could settle for long.

For Melbourne, the defeat will sting because the chase was within reach at 79, with Lanning set and overs remaining. Losing wickets in clusters, however, is a familiar problem in low chases, where one good over can change the equation completely. Like the New Zealand vs India, 5th T20I result, this match showed how quickly momentum can swing in a short format, and the Stars will want a steadier middle order next time. Perth, by contrast, leave Junction Oval with a valuable win built on their bowlers’ composure.

FAQs

Who won WBBL Match 8? Perth Scorchers Women won, beating Melbourne Stars Women at Junction Oval, Melbourne, on 2 November 2026.

By what margin did Perth win? Perth won by 15 runs, with 11 balls to spare, after Melbourne were bowled out for 109 in 18.1 overs.

Who was Player of the Match? Sophie Devine was Player of the Match for her 4 for 19 and 11 runs.

Who were the top scorers? Meg Lanning top-scored with 41 off 36, while Alana King made 18, Beth Mooney made 17 and Chloe Ainsworth made 16.

What were the best bowling figures? Sophie Devine took 4 for 19, followed by Alana King with 3 for 17, while Maisy Gibson took 2 for 10.

Conclusion

In the end, Perth’s 124 for 9 was enough because their bowlers refused to let Melbourne build the partnership that would have won the game. Devine’s four wickets, King’s decisive late spell and a lower order that refused to fold combined to produce a memorable low-scoring win. Melbourne will rue a missed opportunity, but Perth earned this result with discipline, belief and execution under pressure.

For the full scorecard, see the Cricbuzz scorecard.