In Match 26 of Big Bash League Season 15 (BBL|15), Perth Scorchers return to Optus Stadium on Wednesday to face Melbourne Renegades. Currently occupying second place on the table with a 4-2 win record, the Scorchers are searching for their fourth consecutive victory – a result that would effectively cement their position within the top four.
Perth has turned their home ground into an impenetrable fortress, remaining undefeated in their last three matches at the venue. This dominance is fuelled by a high-performing core of local stars, including Mitchell Marsh, Ashton Turner, Aaron Hardie and the versatile Cooper Connolly. Their collective form has made the Scorchers one of the most balanced and intimidating units in the competition this season.
In contrast, the Melbourne Renegades arrive with a 2-3 record, desperately trying to keep their season alive. They travel to Perth with some renewed confidence after snapping a losing streak via a dramatic ‘derby’ win over the Stars, highlighted by a decisive knock from Josh Brown.
PS vs MR, BBL|15: Match details
- Date and Time: December 26; 1:45 pm IST / 8:15 am GMT / 4:15 pm Local
- Venue: Perth Stadium, Perth
PS vs MR, Head-to-Head Record in BBL
Matches played: 21 | Perth Scorchers won: 16 | Melbourne Renegades won: 05 | No result/Tied: 0
Perth Stadium Pitch Report
Optus Stadium in Perth is renowned for offering significant extra bounce and raw pace, which play directly into the hands of the bowling attack. Batters can expect a difficult time handling the fast bowlers, particularly when they target a hard length, making it difficult to score freely.
In addition to the surface speed, the large square boundaries provide an extra layer of protection for the bowlers, forcing batters to take higher risks to clear the rope. Historically, conditions favour the bowlers early on; however, as the pitch levels out, the surface typically becomes slightly more manageable for batting during the second innings.
Squads
Perth Scorchers: Mitchell Marsh, Sam Fanning, Cooper Connolly, Aaron Hardie, Ashton Turner (c), Nick Hobson, Brody Couch, Finn Allen, Mahli Beardman, Jhye Richardson, Laurie Evans, Joel Paris, David Payne, Corey Rocchiccioli
Melbourne Renegades: Josh Brown, Tim Seifert, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Jake Fraser-McGurk, Oliver Peake, Will Sutherland (c), Matthew Spoors, Gurinder Sandhu, Caleb Jewell, Jason Behrendorff, Hassan Khan, Sam Elliott, Callum Stow, Andrew Tye
Also READ: BBL|15 – Jamie Overton shines in Adelaide Strikers’ thrilling win over Sydney Thunder
PS vs MR, BBL|15: Today’s Match Prediction
Case 1:
- Perth Scorchers wins the toss and bowls first
- Melbourne Renegades’ powerplay score: 40-50 (6 overs)
- Melbourne Renegades’ total score: 160-170
Case 2:
- Melbourne Renegades wins the toss and bowls first
- Perth Scorchers’ powerplay score: 60-70 (6 overs)
- Perth Scorchers’ total score: 170-180
Match result: Perth Scorchers to win the contest.
