King and Ainsworth's Heroics Seal Thrilling Win for Scorchers; Knight-Bates Shine in Thunder's Victory
Perth Scorchers 108 (Hinkley 32, King 23, Capsey 5-25) beat Melbourne Renegades 106/8 (Dottin 40, King 3-23, Ainsworth 2-18, Devine 2-22) by 2 runs
In a tense low-scoring encounter at the WACA, Perth Scorchers held their nerve to defend a mere 108 runs, securing a thrilling two-run win over the Melbourne Renegades. Alana King's all-round performance proved crucial for the hosts, as she contributed 23 runs off just 15 balls from No. 8 before taking 3 wickets for 23 runs in the second innings.
The Scorchers had earlier struggled with the bat, with Alice Capsey's 5 for 25 dismantling their lineup. However, Renegades' chase was hampered from the start by a brilliant spell from seamer Chloe Ainsworth, who took two early wickets, including two first-ball ducks. King and Sophie Devine also took key wickets, leaving the Renegades struggling at 47 for 5 by the ninth over.
Deandra Dottin attempted a counterattack with a quick 40, but King dismissed her, and despite late resistance, Renegades could only manage 106/8 in their 20 overs. Needing 10 runs off the final two overs, the Scorchers held their composure, with Ebony Hoskin conceding only eight singles in the final stretch. The match ended dramatically with Sarah Coyte needing three runs off the final ball for a tie, but Hoskin’s calm delivery secured the win for Perth.
Sydney Thunder 170/5 (Knight 59, Litchfield 40, Jonassen 3-22) beat Brisbane Heat 151 (Knott 55, G Harris 41, Bates 4-25) by 19 runs*
Sydney Thunder claimed a 19-run victory over Brisbane Heat at the WACA, with England's Heather Knight playing a standout role, smashing an unbeaten 59 to lead her side to 170/5. Despite a spirited chase led by Charli Knott's 55 and Grace Harris’ quick-fire 41, Heat fell short of the target, bowled out for 151 in 19.3 overs.
Thunder's innings started shakily with Georgia Voll dropped early, but her 22-run contribution, alongside a quick 52-run opening partnership with Chamari Athapaththu, set the tone for a solid total. Knight accelerated late in the innings, dominating the bowling attack. The Heat's bowling attack was spearheaded by Jess Jonassen, who claimed 3 wickets for 22 runs, but the rest of the bowlers struggled.
Chasing 171, Brisbane Heat were soon in trouble as they lost early wickets. Despite receiving a few lucky breaks, Harris and Knott kept the chase alive, but once Knott was dismissed by Sam Bates (4 for 25), Heat's hopes faded. Bates, who has had a stellar start to the season, reflected on her improved form, saying she made some changes after a poor season last year, which seemed to be paying off.
Both matches were full of exciting moments, with individual brilliance from King, Ainsworth, Knight, and Bates ensuring the wins for Scorchers and Thunder.
