Perth Scorchers Women open their WBBL 2026 campaign against Melbourne Renegades Women in Match 5 on Saturday, 31 October 2026, at the WACA Ground, Perth. The Scorchers, now led by Beth Mooney alongside Sophie Devine, start as favourites at home.
The Renegades, led by Sophie Molineux, will be eager to bounce back from a tough start, having lost their opener to Sydney Thunder. In that match, the Renegades scored only 138 for 9, and Sydney Thunder completed the chase in just 17 overs. Against a Scorchers side this strong, another slow start would be punished just as quickly.
Match Overview
Perth have a heavyweight core. Beth Mooney, the captain, was outstanding last season with 549 runs in 13 innings at an average of 45.75, and she is joined by Sophie Devine, a WBBL legend with 4,195 runs and 124 wickets in the competition. Around them are Katie Mack, Freya Kemp and Alana King, and the pace of Chloe Ainsworth.
The Renegades will rely on captain Sophie Molineux, the all-round power of Hayley Matthews — who scored 45 off 30 balls in the opener against Sydney Thunder — and the hitting of Deandra Dottin and Georgia Wareham. The Renegades need a much-improved performance with bat and ball to compete at the WACA.
Date, Time and Venue
- Match: Perth Scorchers Women vs Melbourne Renegades Women, Match 5, WBBL 2026
- Date: Saturday, 31 October 2026
- Venue: WACA Ground, Perth, Australia
- Start time: 1:40 PM IST (4:10 PM local)
- Captains: Beth Mooney (Perth Scorchers), Sophie Molineux (Melbourne Renegades)
Probable Playing XIs and Squads
Perth’s probable XI is built around Mooney keeping wicket and leading the side, Devine’s all-round class, Mack and Chloe Piparo with the bat, the spin of Alana King and the pace of Fatima Sana.
Melbourne’s probable XI leans on Courtney Webb and Matthews at the top, Molineux’s leadership and spin, Wareham and Tess Flintoff in the middle, and the pace of Tayla Vlaeminck and Milly Illingworth.
- Perth Scorchers Women probable XI: Beth Mooney (wicket-keeper, captain), Sophie Devine, Amy Edgar, Katie Mack, Chloe Piparo, Fatima Sana, Freya Kemp, Alana King, Chloe Ainsworth, Lilly Mills, Ruby Strange
- Melbourne Renegades Women probable XI: Courtney Webb, Hayley Matthews, Sophie Molineux (captain), Georgia Wareham, Tess Flintoff, Chloe Tryon, Deandra Dottin, Nicole Faltum (wicket-keeper), Annie Wikman, Milly Illingworth, Tayla Vlaeminck
Key players to watch: Beth Mooney and Sophie Devine for the Scorchers — Devine took 4 for 25 against the Renegades at the WACA last season — and Hayley Matthews and Sophie Molineux for the Renegades, who must lead the fightback after the opening loss.
Head-to-Head Record
Recent history has favoured Perth at the WACA, where Devine’s 4 for 25 last season helped the Scorchers dominate the Renegades. The Renegades need to break that pattern quickly to avoid starting the season with two defeats.
Pitch and Weather Report
The WACA is famous for pace and bounce, and should suit the Scorchers’ quick bowlers and stroke-makers. This is the first match at the ground this season, and the captain winning the toss might opt to bowl first and assess conditions before deciding on a target.
Scores around 160 are competitive in the women’s game here, and the team that handles the bounce best usually wins. Perth in late October is warm and dry, with no rain interruption expected.
Where to Watch and Live Streaming
In India, the match will be live streamed on FanCode, with TV coverage on the Star Sports Network. In Australia, it will be shown on Channel 7 and Fox Cricket, with streaming on 7plus, Kayo Sports and CA Live. In the UK, it will be shown on Sky Sports, and in the US on Willow TV.
FAQs
When is the Perth Scorchers Women vs Melbourne Renegades Women WBBL Match 5?
Saturday, 31 October 2026, starting at 1:40 PM IST at the WACA Ground, Perth.
Which match is this in WBBL 2026?
Match 5. It is the Scorchers’ first match of the season and the Renegades’ second.
Who are the captains?
Beth Mooney captains Perth Scorchers Women and Sophie Molineux captains Melbourne Renegades Women.
How did the Renegades start the season?
They lost their opener to Sydney Thunder, scoring 138 for 9 before Sydney Thunder chased the target in 17 overs.
Where can I watch the match in India?
Live streaming on FanCode and TV coverage on the Star Sports Network.
Final Summary and Conclusion
Perth are the clear favourites: a home ground, a stronger batting line-up, the best all-rounder in the match in Sophie Devine, and a captain in Beth Mooney in outstanding form. The Renegades are not without hope — Matthews, Molineux and Dottin can change a T20 in a few overs — but they need a complete performance after a poor opening game. If Mooney and Devine fire together, expect a comfortable Scorchers win; if the Renegades’ bowlers strike early, the WACA could produce a closer contest than the form guide suggests.
Perth Scorchers Women vs Melbourne Renegades Women match prediction
Green Benn is a dedicated sports writer specializing in cricket, including IPL and international formats. Known for clear, engaging, and informative content, Green simplifies complex match analysis and player statistics for all readers. Passionate about sports storytelling, Green delivers reliable, SEO-friendly articles that keep fans updated and informed
Pingback: Melbourne Stars Women vs Perth Scorchers Women, WBBL Match 8: Date, Time, Venue, Squads & Where to Watch
Pingback: Perth Scorchers Women vs Melbourne Renegades Women, WBBL Match 5 2026: Scorchers Crush Renegades by 9 Wickets at WACA