The Perth Scorchers, a formidable force in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), have showcased their mettle and resilience over the years. From a challenging start to becoming champions, this article delves into the history and achievements of the Perth Scorchers in the WBBL.
Formation and Early Challenges:
- One of the Founding WBBL Teams: The Perth Scorchers were among the eight founding teams of the WBBL and shared their identity with the men’s team of the same name.
- Inaugural Coach and Player Signing: Mark Atkinson was appointed as the Scorchers’ inaugural coach, and Jess Cameron became the first-ever player signing. Nicole Bolton was entrusted with the captaincy.
- Initial Turmoil: The team faced early turbulence with Jess Cameron taking an indefinite break from cricket, leaving a leadership vacuum. However, she would later return to the league with the Melbourne Stars. Furthermore, just days before WBBL|01 began, Lisa Keightley stepped in as the head coach, taking over from Atkinson.
Triumphant Debut:
In the face of these unexpected challenges, the Perth Scorchers displayed their resilience and determination. In their debut match on December 11, they overcame the Brisbane Heat by a narrow margin of two runs. This victory set the tone for the Scorchers’ journey in the WBBL.
Captaincy Records:
The Perth Scorchers have witnessed various leaders throughout their WBBL journey. These are their captains, their spans, and the corresponding win-loss records:
- Nicole Bolton (2015–2016): Led the team in 15 matches, with 7 wins and 8 losses (Win-Loss Percentage: 46.67).
- Suzie Bates (2016–2017): Commanded the Scorchers in 16 matches, securing 9 wins and 7 losses (Win-Loss Percentage: 56.25).
- Elyse Villani (2017–2018): Captaincy extended to 21 matches, comprising 11 wins and 10 losses (Win-Loss Percentage: 52.38).
- Meg Lanning (2018–2019): Led the side in 24 matches, with 14 wins and 10 losses (Win-Loss Percentage: 58.33).
- Sophie Devine (2020–present): To date, she has captained the Scorchers in 40 matches, achieving 22 wins, 15 losses, and 3 ties (Win-Loss Percentage: 59.46).
- Beth Mooney (2020): Captained for 2 matches, but faced 2 losses (Win-Loss Percentage: 0.00).
| Captain | Span | M | Won | Lost | Tied | NR | W–L% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nicole Bolton | 2015–2016 | 15 | 7 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 46.67 |
| Suzie Bates | 2016–2017 | 16 | 9 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 56.25 |
| Elyse Villani | 2017–2018 | 21 | 11 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 52.38 |
| Meg Lanning | 2018–2019 | 24 | 14 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 58.33 |
| Sophie Devine | 2020–present | 40 | 22 | 15 | 0 | 3 | 59.46 |
| Beth Mooney | 2020 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
Championship Triumph:
The pinnacle of the Perth Scorchers’ WBBL journey was their championship win in WBBL|07. It marked a significant milestone and a testament to their growth as a team, overcoming initial challenges to claim ultimate glory.
The Perth Scorchers have undoubtedly emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the WBBL, with a rich history filled with both trials and triumphs. Their resilience and dedication to the sport have contributed to their remarkable journey, making them an inspiration for cricket enthusiasts and aspiring players.
By Opposition
| Opposition | M | Won | Lost | Tied | NR | W–L% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adelaide Strikers | 18 | 7 | 10 | 0 | 1 | 41.18 |
| Brisbane Heat | 17 | 7 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 41.18 |
| Hobart Hurricanes | 15 | 10 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 71.43 |
| Melbourne Renegades | 15 | 10 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 66.67 |
| Melbourne Stars | 17 | 10 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 58.82 |
| Sydney Sixers | 18 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 50.00 |
| Sydney Thunder | 18 | 10 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 58.82 |
| Total | 118 | 63[i] | 52 | 0 | 3 | 54.78 |
Perth Scorchers in WBBL: Igniting the T20 Blaze with Stellar Records
The Perth Scorchers, a force to be reckoned with in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), have set the pitch on fire with their remarkable performances and records. This article provides a detailed look at the Perth Scorchers’ impressive statistics and records in the WBBL.
Dominating the Scoreboard:
The Perth Scorchers have shown their mettle by setting some impressive records when it comes to scoring. Their highest score in an innings is 2/194, achieved against the Melbourne Renegades on November 3, 2021. They are no strangers to successful chases either, with their highest successful chase of 4/180 against the Sydney Thunder on December 29, 2018. On the flip side, the Scorchers managed to defend their lowest total of 9/106 against the Brisbane Heat on December 11, 2015.
Mammoth Victories:
In the world of T20 cricket, dominating with the bat is essential, and the Perth Scorchers have demonstrated their prowess. Their largest victory when batting first was a comprehensive 104-run win against the Melbourne Renegades on November 12, 2022. When chasing, the Scorchers have triumphed with 55 balls remaining, showcasing their batting depth against the Melbourne Stars on November 10, 2021.
Consistency and Winning Streaks:
The Perth Scorchers have displayed remarkable consistency in the WBBL. They enjoyed an impressive seven-match winning streak from November 17, 2021, to October 20, 2022, which reflects their prowess as a dominant team. While they have faced some losses, their longest losing streak stands at four matches, underlining their overall strength and competitiveness.
Individual Performances:
The Scorchers have seen incredible individual performances from their players:
- Most Runs: Elyse Villani leads the charts with 1,706 runs to her name.
- Highest Score in an Innings: Sophie Devine’s remarkable 103 (68) against the Sydney Sixers on November 8, 2020, remains a standout performance.
- Highest Partnership: Sophie Devine and Beth Mooney partnered to score an impressive 173 runs against the Sydney Thunder on October 24, 2021.
- Most Wickets: Heather Graham has been a wicket-taking machine, amassing 102 wickets.
- Best Bowling Figures in an Innings: Marizanne Kapp’s sensational figures of 4/10 against the Hobart Hurricanes on November 7, 2021, were a highlight.
- Hat-Tricks: Nicole Bolton’s memorable hat-trick against the Hobart Hurricanes on December 19, 2015, was a rare feat.
- Catches and Dismissals: Heather Graham’s safe hands have resulted in 35 catches, while Beth Mooney leads the wicket-keeper dismissals with 20 (15 catches and 5 stumpings).
Individual Awards:
The Scorchers’ exceptional players have been recognized with numerous individual awards. Elyse Villani leads the charge with ten Player of the Match awards. Sophie Devine, Beth Mooney, and Heather Graham have also made significant contributions to their tally of awards.
Additionally, Sophie Devine was crowned WBBL Player of the Tournament in WBBL|06, adding another feather to the Scorchers’ cap.
The Perth Scorchers have not only set impressive team records but have also witnessed stellar individual performances, making them a formidable presence in the Women’s Big Bash League. Their consistency and winning streaks reflect their dominance in the T20 arena, inspiring fans and aspiring cricketers alike.
