Adelaide Strikers Women host Sydney Thunder Women at Adelaide Oval on November 28, 2025, in a crucial mid-table clash where both teams seek points to climb the WBBL standings. Strikers sit sixth with 5 points from 6 games (2 wins, 3 losses, 1 no-result) and a +0.067 NRR, while Thunder languish seventh with 4 points from 6 games (2 wins, 4 losses) and -0.519 NRR.​

Strikers show mixed results with form W,L,L,L,W, boosted by a thrilling last-ball win over Brisbane Heat Women. Thunder struggle lately at L,L,W,W,L, needing consistency from their batting lineup. Both sides desperately need a victory to challenge top-four contenders like Hobart Hurricanes and Melbourne Stars.​

AS-W vs ST-W, WBBL|11: Match details

• Date and Time: November 28; 01:40 pm IST/ 08:10 am GMT/ 06:40 pm Local
• Venue: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, South Australia

AS-W vs ST-W, Head-to-Head Record in WBBL

Matches played: 17 | Adelaide Strikers won: 10 | Sydney Thunder won: 06 | No result: 01

Adelaide Oval Pitch Report

The Adelaide Oval pitch for the Adelaide Strikers Women vs Sydney Thunder Women match is a batting-friendly surface that offers true bounce and consistent pace, making it ideal for stroke play. Early in the innings, pacers can get some swing and seam movement, especially if there is slight moisture on the pitch. However, once the ball softens, batters find it easier to play through the line, and the fast outfield further aids scoring opportunities. Spinners are expected to get some turn and grip in the middle overs, adding a tactical element. Batting first is advantageous here, with teams often scoring 160+ and putting pressure on the chasing side under lights. This pitch promises an exciting, high-scoring contest.

Squads

Adelaide Strikers: Laura Wolvaardt, Tammy Beaumont, Madeline Penna, Tahlia McGrath (c), Bridget Patterson (wk), Ellie Johnston, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Sophie Ecclestone, Jemma Barsby, Darcie Brown, Megan Schutt, Tabatha Saville, Anesu Mushangwe, Ella Wilson, Eleanor Larosa

Sydney Thunder: Tahlia Wilson (wk), Georgia Voll, Phoebe Litchfield (c), Heather Knight, Chamari Athapaththu, Laura Harris, Anika Learoyd, Hasrat Gill, Taneale Peschel, Shabnim Ismail, Samantha Bates, Hannah Darlington, Sienna Eve, Lucy Finn, Ella Briscoe, Alexandra Mavros

Also READ: WBBL|11: Amy Jones shines as Melbourne Stars stun Hobart Hurricanes to rise to second place

AS-W vs ST-W, WBBL|11: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• Adelaide Strikers wins the toss and bats first
• Adelaide Strikers powerplay score: 40-50
• Adelaide Strikers total score: 140-150

Case 2:

• Sydney Thunder wins the toss and bats first
• Sydney Thunder powerplay score: 50-60
• Sydney Thunder total score: 150-160

Match result: Team batting first to win the game

Also READ: WBBL|11: Sophie Devine’s all-round show powers Perth Scorchers to a dominant win over Melbourne Renegades

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 Mega Auction has officially concluded. With teams opting for strategic releases due to retention constraints, the auction pool was deep, setting the stage for aggressive bidding wars and some truly spectacular purchases. Franchises strategically overhauled their squads, focusing on all-round talent and proven match-winners to gear up for the upcoming season.

Indian stars shine bright

While overseas players like Amelia Kerr and Sophie Devine grabbed headlines, the auction was also a huge endorsement for high-quality domestic talent. Deepti Sharma and Shikha Pandey were top-five buys, reinforcing their status as non-negotiable assets for any WPL team.

The uncapped Indian leg-spinner Asha Sobhana went to UP Warriorz for a huge ₹1.1 Crore, reflecting the immense value placed on domestic spinners, especially after recent international and WPL performances.

The biggest shock: Alyssa Healy goes unsold

In the most astonishing turn of events, Australian captain and one of the most destructive T20 batters in the world, Alyssa Healy, found no takers. Her high base price and the strategic use of overseas slots by teams likely contributed to this decision, highlighting the ruthless calculus involved in team composition under the WPL’s roster constraints.

Also READ: Fans erupt as veteran star Shikha Pandey secures massive payday at WPL 2026 mega auction

Complete list of Sold players at WPL 2026 auction

Also READ: Deepti Sharma emerges as the second most expensive player in WPL history

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

India‘s proud home record in Test cricket has suffered a devastating blow with a 0-2 whitewash against South Africa in 2025, their third clean sweep on home soil and the first since New Zealand‘s 3-0 triumph in 2024. This marks South Africa’s second series victory in India, echoing their 2000 dominance after 25 years, as they crushed India by 408 runs in Guwahati—the hosts’ largest Test defeat by runs. Under head coach Gautam Gambhir, back-to-back home series losses against SENA countries have shattered the invincibility built over a decade, dropping India to fifth in the World Test Championship standings. Fans and analysts now question the end of India’s fortress-era, with five home Test defeats in seven matches—the most since 1959.

Three occasions when India were whitewashed in home Test series

1. South Africa’s pioneering sweep in 2000

The first home whitewash came during the 1999-2000 South Africa tour, a two- match Test series where Hansie Cronje‘s Proteas triumphed 2-0, ending a 13-year drought for visiting teams in India. In Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, South Africa chased 236 to win by four wickets after India folded for 225 and 113, with Shaun Pollock and Allan Donald dismantling the batting. The Bengaluru decider saw India crumble to an innings defeat, bowled out for 250 chasing 400, as Nicky Boje claimed a five-wicket haul and 85 runs for Player of the Series honours alongside Jacques Kallis. This series, later tainted by match-fixing scandals involving Cronje, exposed India’s vulnerabilities against pace and spin.​

Also READ: Top 5 biggest defeats of Team India in Test cricket

2. New Zealand’s shocking 3-0 Triumph in 2024

Fast-forward to October-November 2024, New Zealand inflicted India’s first-ever 0-3 home whitewash in a three-Test series, the Black Caps’ maiden series victory on Indian pitches and India‘s initial multi-Test home clean sweep in 24 years. Spinners Ajaz Patel (11 wickets in the finale) and Glenn Phillips dominated, defending 146 in Mumbai despite Rishabh Pant‘s counter-attacking 64, while India managed just 29 for 5 early. Earlier losses in Bengaluru (including a 46 all out) and Pune highlighted batting collapses against pace and turn, with Rohit Sharma‘s side losing 37 wickets to spinners—the most at home in such a series. This rare feat made New Zealand only the fourth side to whitewash India in a 3+ Test rubber.​

3. Proteas repeat history with 2025 dominance

South Africa reclaimed glory in November 2025, securing a 2-0 sweep—their first in India since 2000—via a 30-run first-Test win in Kolkata and a colossal 408-run thrashing in Guwahati, India’s largest home defeat by runs. Chasing 549, India collapsed to 140 all out on Day 5, as Simon Harmer and Marco Jansen overwhelmed the lineup, with no Indian innings reaching 250. Stand-in captain Pant’s side failed to score a century across both Tests, a drought unseen since 1969, amplifying scrutiny on Gambhir’s aggressive blueprint amid back-to-back whitewashes. These setbacks dent India’s World Test Championship hopes, signalling a turbulent transition.

Also READ: R Ashwin, Sourav Ganguly, Michael Vaughan and others react to India’s Test series whitewash against South Africa

The WPL 2026 Mega Auction was a whirlwind of aggressive bidding, record-breaking buys, and, as always, some truly astonishing omissions. While the spotlight often shines on the players who bag crores, the story of the unsold list often reveals the deeper, more ruthless strategic calculations of the franchises. With a limited number of slots (especially overseas) and a cap on the purse, even world-class players found themselves overlooked.

The headliner shock: Alyssa Healy

The single biggest talking point of the auction was undoubtedly Alyssa Healy going unsold at her base price of ₹50 Lakh. Current Australian captain, a destructive opener, and one of the most successful wicketkeeper-batters in T20 history. She was UP Warriorz’s captain in the first season. Reports suggest that injury concerns, particularly a recurring calf and a previous foot injury that caused her to miss part of a previous WPL season, may have made franchises cautious about spending a high initial amount and blocking a crucial overseas spot on a player with a question mark over her immediate fitness.

Star players who missed out

Beyond Healy, several other established international and domestic players were left without a franchise, reflecting the sheer tactical nature of a mega-auction. The list of unsold overseas specialists contained several surprising omissions, highlighting the ruthless strategic planning of the franchises. High-profile names like one of the world’s premier T20 leg-spinners, Alana King went unsold. This suggests teams may have either secured strong Indian spin options or opted for cheaper overseas alternatives, prioritising other positions. Furthermore, Amy Jones, a reliable international wicketkeeper-batter, suffered the same fate as Healy, as franchises preferred to use their highly valuable overseas slots on all-rounders rather than specialist keepers, a role that can be efficiently covered by Indian talent.

Also READ: WPL 2026 Mega Auction: Complete list of sold players with their price

Complete list of Unsold players

• Alyssa Healy
• S Meghana
• Tazmin Brits
• Izzy Gaze
• Amy Jones
• Uma Chetry
• Darcie Brown
• Lauren Cheatle
• Priya Mishra
• Amanda-Jade Wellington
• Alana King
• Pranavi Chandra
• Davina Perrin
• Vrinda Dinesh
• Disha Kasat
• Arushi Goel
• Sanika Chalke
• Humairaa Kaazi
• Amandeep Kaur
• Jintimani Kalita
• S Yashasri
• Khushi Bhatia
• Nandini Kashyap
• Komalpreet Kour
• Shabnam Shakil
• Prakashika Naik
• Bharti Rawal
• Priyanka Koushal
• Parunika Sisodia
• Jagravi Pawar

Also READ: Fans stunned as Australia captain Alyssa Healy goes unsold in WPL 2026 mega auction

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 mega auction produced several headline-grabbing moments, but none bigger than veteran pacer Shikha Pandey’s sensational rise in value. The experienced campaigner, once considered past her prime in the eyes of selectors, stunned the cricketing world after UP Warriorz secured her services for an astounding price.

Shikha Pandey triggers fierce bidding war

The auction hall erupted into excitement as soon as Pandey’s name went up on the board. Starting at a modest base price of INR 40 lakh, the 36-year-old quickly became the centre of a heated contest between UP Warriorz (UPW) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

Both franchises, keen on bolstering their bowling arsenal with an experienced seamer who brings control and composure under pressure, kept pushing the paddle with relentless intent. What began as a measured exchange soon transformed into a high-voltage tug-of-war, with the bid soaring past the 1-crore mark in minutes.

The intensity only grew as RCB momentarily took the lead at INR 2.2 crore, appearing poised to land the veteran. But UPW, armed with the biggest purse of the auction, made a decisive late surge — sealing the deal at INR 2.40 crore and leaving the room buzzing.

Also READ: Deepti Sharma emerges as the second most expensive player in WPL history

Second-most expensive Indian at the auction

Pandey’s mega signing elevated her to the position of the second-costliest Indian player of the day, just behind Deepti Sharma, who was retained through the Right to Match (RTM) card at a staggering INR 3.2 crore.

This outcome marks a remarkable turnaround for Pandey, who fetched only INR 60 lakh at the previous mega auction. Her exponential rise in value highlights the increasing demand for experienced Indian seamers in the WPL ecosystem, especially those who offer swing, discipline, and adaptability.

Here’s how fans reacted:

🚨 36 years old veteran Shikha Pandey went to UP Warriors for huge 2.40 crores!

– Getting paid 2.40 crores at age of 36.

– She has been a great player in WPL & WBBL.

RCB went for her till 2.20 crores. Dont know why Indian team ignored her for 2 yrs❤️🐐pic.twitter.com/x3nv8bskYv

— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) November 27, 2025

Experience 🤝 Class

New threads for Shikha Pandey as she joins @UPWarriorz for a whopping INR 2.4 Crore 💛💜#TATAWPL | #TATAWPLAuction pic.twitter.com/nMvcWjsfvC

— Women’s Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) November 27, 2025

Shikha Pandey becomes the third most expensive buy at the auction 💰
The veteran star goes to UP Warriorz 🎯#ShikhaPandey #WPLAuction pic.twitter.com/5hmSJp5iGy

— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) November 27, 2025

Abhishek Nayar brings in Shikha Pandey and Deandra Dottin to UP Warriorz from the WPL Auction.

TKRW → Abhishek Nayar’s Mentorship touch in WPL! ❤👌 pic.twitter.com/EgNcUsP5eU

— Rokte Amar KKR (@Rokte_Amarr_KKR) November 27, 2025

🚨 Shikha Pandey in UP Warriorz 🚨

Matches – 27 || Wickets – 30

She is 36 years old sold to Up Warriorz by 2.40 CR 🤯

2nd highest bid for Indian player in WPL 26 Auction..!! pic.twitter.com/ECaKe3KHFU

— VIKAS (@Vikas662005) November 27, 2025

2.40 cr for shikha pandey. SO SO DESERVING

— s (@_sectumsempra18) November 27, 2025

Shikha Pandey’s smile when she said “I’m so glad Meg Lanning is going to be there” 🥹🥹🥹 pic.twitter.com/bfHJrXtGyQ

— Lavanya 🎙️🎥👩🏻‍💻 (@lav_narayanan) November 27, 2025

Shikha Pandey becomes 4th most expensive player in WPL history with a 2.4 Cr bid from UPW#shikhapandey #WPLMegaAuction #WPL2026

— Ambika (@apmahapatra) November 27, 2025

• Wolvaardt to Delhi!
• UPW going all in! 💜Dottin ✅Sophie ✅Deepti ✅Kranti ✅Kiran ✅Shikha Pandey for ₹2.4 Cr UPW building a powerhouse! #UPWarriorz • Lauren Bell → RCB 🔴
• Linsey Smith → RCB Another smart bowling addition. #WPLAuction
• Lizelle Lee to Delhi Capitals

— Samartha (@samartha_ggg) November 27, 2025

A big payday for Shikha Pandey! 💰 #WPLAuction #wpl2026 #UPWarriorz #Delhi #india pic.twitter.com/AL9VrumLPb

— devil (@manojchawla979) November 27, 2025

Shikha Pandey Sold :- 2.6Cr
Up Warrior #WPLAuction

— Cricnow (@CricketNew73688) November 27, 2025

🔥 Shikha Pandey → RCB ₹1.80 Cr (3rd most expensive)
RCB & UPW’s bidding war was EPIC! 💥 #ShikhaPandey #WPLAuction #WPL2026 #WPLAuction2026 pic.twitter.com/4IwnhewwTS

— Er.Rajiv (@Rajiv_siait) November 27, 2025

Shikha Pandey deserves all of this and more.

Great pick, UP! https://t.co/BbJyKxe4gE

— Yash Lahoti (@YvLahoti) November 27, 2025

Also READ: Fans stunned as Australia captain Alyssa Healy goes unsold in WPL 2026 mega auction

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

India’s 2-0 whitewash at home against South Africa in the 2025 Test series has sent shockwaves through Indian cricket. It marks the first time in 25 years that the Proteas have won a Test series in India – and they did it in dominant fashion. The defeat exposed several deep-rooted issues in India’s Test setup under head coach Gautam Gambhir, raising serious concerns as the team navigates a transition phase in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

Here are the three major reasons behind India’s shocking home Test defeat against South Africa:

1. Tactical errors and lack of clarity in strategy

One of the biggest factors behind India’s downfall was their tactical confusion throughout the two-Test series. The home side looked unsure of their plans, repeatedly failing to counter South Africa’s well-prepared strategies.

Team selection and fielding mishaps

India’s playing XIs raised eyebrows, with several selections failing to address South Africa’s strengths or India’s own shortcomings. Whether it was their choice of bowlers, batting order adjustments or ineffective field settings, the team frequently found itself outmaneuvered.

South Africa executed their plans flawlessly

The visitors, on the other hand, showed tactical brilliance.

Marco Jansen’s hostile pace and Simon Harmer’s unplayable off-spin exposed India’s lack of preparation. Harmer’s 17 wickets at an average of 8.94 – the best by any visiting bowler in India – highlighted how the Proteas exploited conditions better than the hosts.

India were constantly on the back foot, culminating in their worst-ever home defeat by runs, a massive 408-run loss in Guwahati.

2. Inexperienced and inconsistent batting lineup

India’s batting proved to be their biggest weakness. The squad, filled with young players still adjusting to the demands of Test cricket, crumbled under pressure.

One of India’s worst batting performances at home

India averaged just 15.23 with the bat against South Africa – one of their poorest performances in a home series. Collapses became a recurring theme, especially under scoreboard pressure.

Mental fragility on display

On Day 3 in Guwahati, India slipped from 95/1 to 122/7, a collapse that highlighted a lack of temperament rather than a shortage of talent. Head coach Gambhir admitted the team is in a transition phase, with younger players needing time to mature in the format.

In the absence of regular captain Shubman Gill, the fragile batting lineup struggled to weather South Africa’s disciplined bowling attack.

3. South Africa’s superior execution and mental toughness

South Africa outplayed India not just on skill, but in discipline, patience and mental strength.

Proteas maintained control throughout the series

The visitors displayed remarkable consistency:

• Solid partnerships with the bat
• Relentless pressure with the ball
• Exceptional fielding intensity

Harmer’s six-wicket haul in the second innings at Guwahati encapsulated South Africa’s ruthlessness and their ability to seize every opportunity.

India, in contrast, suffered lapses in concentration and execution, failing to sustain competitive intensity across sessions.

Packed schedule and team transition adds to India’s struggles

Beyond the main reasons, India also grappled with a packed schedule leading into the series – including the Asia Cup, a home Test rubber against West Indies and an overseas white-ball tour. Fatigue and lack of preparation time likely hurt performance levels.

Additionally, the ongoing transition after the exit of senior players like Ravichandran Ashwin, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli has created instability. Building cohesion among new faces will take time.

Also READ: R Ashwin, Sourav Ganguly, Michael Vaughan and others react to India’s Test series whitewash against South Africa

A wake-up call for India ahead of remaining WTC 2025-27 cycle

This was India’s second home Test series defeat in 12 months after the 0-3 loss to New Zealand in 2024 – an alarming trend for a team that once prided itself on near-invincibility at home.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and team management have emphasised no knee-jerk reactions, instead focusing on improving the team’s tactical awareness, mental toughness and batting resilience.

As India look to recover in the WTC 2025-27 cycle, addressing these glaring issues will be crucial to reclaim their dominance both at home and overseas.

Also READ: Top 5 biggest defeats of Team India in Test cricket

The WPL 2026 mega auction, set to take place in New Delhi, promises one of the most competitive bidding floors in the league’s young history. With teams reshaping their core groups for a fresh season and 23 overseas slots available across franchises, elite international performers are expected to be in high demand.

5 overseas players who can start intense bidding wars in WPL 2026 auction

1) Sophie Ecclestone: The most wanted spinner in the auction pool

England’s star left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone enters the WPL 2026 auction as one of the most coveted bowlers in world cricket. With more than 140 T20I wickets at an admirable average and economy rate, Ecclestone has built her reputation as a reliable match-winner across formats and conditions.

Her strengths make her an elite, multi-phase operator:

• Powerplay wicket-taker capable of troubling top-order batters.
• Middle-overs enforcer who maintains control and forces false shots.
• Calm death-overs option with experience in global T20 leagues.

In spin-friendly Indian conditions, high-quality left-arm spinners are rare commodities. Ecclestone’s proven pedigree and temperament ensure that teams looking to build their bowling attack around a world-class slow bowler will enter the auction with aggressive intent.

2) Laura Wolvaardt: The dependable top-order run machine

South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt has transformed into one of the most consistent and technically assured T20 openers in the world. With more than 2,000 T20 runs, a strong average, and excellent boundary-hitting numbers, she offers exactly what WPL teams crave – top-order stability.

Wolvaardt’s strengths include:

• The ability to anchor chases under pressure.
• Converting starts into big scores.
• A recent T20 hundred and a long list of match-shaping fifties.

In a league where early collapses can derail entire seasons, Wolvaardt stands out as a foundational top-order player. Teams searching for a reliable opener around whom their middle order can revolve will likely pursue her aggressively.

3) Amelia Kerr: The complete three-dimensional all-round option

New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr brings unparalleled balance with her triple-threat skillset – top-order batting, penetrative leg-spin, and exceptional fielding. Her match-winning performances in the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup, where she was Player of the Match in the final and Player of the Tournament, raised her stock even further.

Kerr’s versatility allows teams to:

• Strengthen their top four with a dynamic batter.
• Add high-quality leg-spin to their bowling attack.
• Maintain flexibility without compromising depth.

Given how hard it is to find world-class all-rounders who can influence both innings, Kerr may command one of the highest bids of the auction, with franchises willing to stretch their purse capacity to secure her.

4) Phoebe Litchfield: Young star perfectly suited for Indian conditions

Australia’s rising sensation Phoebe Litchfield has already proven her prowess in subcontinental conditions, most notably with a superb ODI hundred at the Wankhede Stadium in 2024. Her strong T20 numbers in India – highlighting consistency and composure- make her an ideal long-term investment.

What makes Litchfield a premium option:

• Left-handed fluency against both spin and pace.
• Impressive record against India.
• Rapid adaptability across formats and match scenarios.

Also READ: WPL 2026 – 3 franchises that can target Phoebe Litchfield in the mega auction

With WPL franchises seeking young overseas players who can grow with the league, Litchfield is expected to be one of the most sought-after batters in the auction.

5) Nadine de Klerk: High-impact seam-bowling all-rounder

South Africa’s Nadine de Klerk brings a valuable skillset that franchises often struggle to find – a seam-bowling all-rounder who contributes in multiple phases of the game. Known for her fighting spirit, de Klerk consistently provides crucial lower-order runs and breakthrough wickets.

Her attributes include:

• Ability to bowl in the middle overs as a partnership-breaker.
• Useful lower-middle-order hitting at a competitive strike rate.
• Flexibility to slot into multiple team combinations.

Given the scarcity of overseas seam-bowling all-rounders, de Klerk could become a strategic target for teams looking for depth and balance at number 6 or No. 7.

Also READ: WPL 2026 – 3 franchises that can target Sophie Ecclestone in the mega auction

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

The 25th match of WBBL|11 is set to deliver an exciting contest as Melbourne Renegades Women (MR-W) lock horns with Perth Scorchers Women (PS-W) at the Junction Oval, Melbourne. With both sides pushing hard for playoff spots, the encounter promises high-intensity cricket and standout individual performances.

Melbourne Renegades aim to extend winning momentum

Sitting comfortably in second place with four wins and two losses, Melbourne Renegades have emerged as one of the most consistent teams of the season. Their success so far has been built on a unified team effort across batting and bowling departments.

The Renegades’ top order has been in excellent touch, with Alice Capsey providing explosive starts, Courtney Webb anchoring crucial partnerships and Deandra Dottin adding power and experience in the middle overs. These three have shouldered the bulk of the scoring responsibilities, ensuring the Renegades rarely fall behind the required tempo.

Star all-rounder Georgia Wareham has been vital, contributing game-changing spells and handy runs from the lower order.

Meanwhile, captain Sophie Molineux continues to lead from the front in the bowling department, supported by promising young talents Charis Bekker and Milly Illingworth. The trio brings a mix of pace, spin, and variation that has allowed the Renegades to maintain tight control throughout matches.

With balance, depth, and momentum on their side, the Renegades enter the contest as a confident and well-settled unit.

Perth Scorchers eye strong comeback after mixed start

With three wins and three losses, Perth Scorchers sit in the middle of the table and are desperate to find consistency. Their latest nail-biting victory against the Adelaide Strikers has given them renewed belief heading into this game.

At the top of the order, the Scorchers boast two of the most experienced campaigners in women’s cricket: Beth Mooney, known for her reliability and finesse, and Sophie Devine, a proven match-winner with her aggressive strokeplay and all-round impact. Their form will be crucial for the Scorchers, especially on a batting-friendly Junction Oval surface.

The Scorchers also have strong middle-order contributors in Paige Scholfield and Maddy Darke, both capable of accelerating the innings when needed.

On the bowling front, the responsibility falls heavily on Amy Edgar, Chloe Ainsworth and Alana King, with the trio expected to deliver early breakthroughs and keep the Renegades’ in-form batters in check.

MR-W vs PS-W, WBBL|11: Match details

• Date and Time: November 27; 09:40 am IST/ 04:10 am GMT/ 03:10 pm Local
• Venue: Junction Oval, Melbourne

MR-W vs PS-W, Head-to-Head Record in WBBL

Matches played: 19| Melbourne Renegades won: 6 | Perth Scorchers won: 13 | No result: 0

Junction Oval Pitch Report

The surface at Junction Oval is typically batting-friendly, providing ideal conditions for fluent shot-making. With teams chasing winning about 53% of the matches here, captains may lean toward bowling first after winning the toss.

Squads:

Melbourne Renegades Women: Emma de Broughe, Courtney Webb, Sophie Molineux (c), Alice Capsey, Georgia Wareham, Deandra Dottin, Nicole Faltum (wk), Issy Wong, Sarah Coyte, Charis Bekker, Milly Illingworth, Naomi Stalenberg, Tess Flintoff, Davina Perrin, Sara Kennedy

Perth Scorchers Women: Katie Mack, Beth Mooney (wk), Maddy Darke, Sophie Devine (c), Freya Kemp, Paige Scholfield, Chloe Ainsworth, Ruby Strange, Lilly Mills, Amy Edgar, Alana King, Chloe Piparo, Mikayla Hinkley, Ebony Hoskin, Shay Manolini

Also READ: WBBL|11 – Amy Jones shines as Melbourne Stars stun Hobart Hurricanes to rise to second place

MR-W vs PS-W, WBBL|11: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• Melbourne Renegades wins the toss and bowl first
• Perth Scorchers powerplay score: 40-50
• Perth Scorchers total score: 130-140

Case 2:

• Perth Scorchers wins the toss and bowl first
• Melbourne Renegades powerplay score: 45-55
• Melbourne Renegades total score: 140-150

Match result: Team bowling first to win the game.

Also READ: WPL 2026 – 3 franchises that can target Phoebe Litchfield in the mega auction

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad triggered a major controversy on Saturday after using the term “grovel” while describing his team’s intent against India during the second Test in Guwahati. The remark, made after South Africa seized full control on Day 4, left several journalists stunned and quickly drew criticism from Indian cricketing greats.

Although the word itself is not inherently racist, it carries heavy historical baggage in cricket due to its association with racial tension and colonial undertones, making Conrad’s usage particularly sensitive.

Why the word “grovel” is controversial?

The term became infamous during the 1976 England tour of the West Indies, when England captain Tony Greig, a white South African-born cricketer, provocatively declared that his team would make the West Indies “grovel.” The comment was widely condemned as racially insensitive, especially given the political climate and historical power dynamics of the time.

Since then, “grovel” has remained a charged word within cricketing discourse, often viewed as disrespectful when used toward teams with diverse racial or colonial histories.

SA head coach says he was “stealing a phrase”

Speaking after South Africa set India a mammoth target of over 500 runs, Conrad doubled down on his team’s aggressive mindset.

“We wanted India to spend as much time on their feet out in the field. We wanted them to really grovel – to steal a phrase – bat them completely out the game and then say to them, well, come and survive on the last day,” he told reporters.

The coach’s casual use of the term immediately stirred debate, with many questioning the need to invoke such a phrase while on the verge of a historic victory.

Former India captain and spin legend Anil Kumble expressed shock at Conrad’s remarks, urging humility from the South African camp.

“There’s history attached to this. Fifty years ago, an England captain used the same phrase against the great West Indies side, and we all know what followed,” Kumble said on Star Sports India.

“South Africa may have won the series, but when you’re on top, your choice of words matters. Humility is most important at such times.”

Kumble noted that he expected better judgment from a seasoned coach representing a team on the brink of a landmark Test series win in India.

“I certainly didn’t expect this from the coach or the support staff. When you’re winning, the first thing is to stay humble, not say something like this at a press conference.”

Also READ: Fans erupt as Tristan Stubbs leads South Africa’s dominance over India on Day 4 of the Guwahati Test

Cheteshwar Pujara believes Conrad’s remark will “fire up” Team India 

India batter Cheteshwar Pujara also weighed in, acknowledging that Conrad’s remarks would sting the dressing room but could motivate the team heading into the final day.

“It does fire up the team, but it will hurt as well. I don’t think that statement will go down well,” Pujara said.

“The best way to respond is to fight – bat three sessions, build partnerships. We’re in this position because we haven’t played good cricket, and the answer must come with the bat, not with words.”

With India facing an uphill battle to save the Test, Conrad’s comments have injected fresh emotional intensity into an already heated contest.

As both teams prepare for the decisive final day, all eyes will be on how Team India responds on the field to a remark that has reopened historical wounds and stirred modern-day cricketing pride.

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Australia captain and explosive opening batter Alyssa Healy is set to feature prominently in the upcoming Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 mega auction. Healy impressed cricket fans worldwide with her exceptional performance as captain at the recently concluded 2025 Women’s World Cup. She scored back-to-back centuries, including a historic unbeaten 113 against Bangladesh that helped Australia qualify for the semi-finals. Known for her aggressive style and wicketkeeping skills, Healy remains one of the most sought-after players in international women’s cricket going into the WPL auction.​

3 teams that can target Alyssa Healy in WPL 2026 auction

1. UP Warriorz

UP Warriorz are poised to be major contenders to secure Healy’s signature in the mega auction. Having retained only one uncapped player, Shweta Sehrawat, UP Warriorz enter the auction with the highest purse of INR 14.50 crore, allowing them maximum flexibility to bid aggressively. The team struggled with batting depth last season and will look to Healy’s experience and explosive batting at the top to rebuild their campaign. Additionally, their spin-heavy attack could be balanced by Healy’s dynamic presence, adding value as both a captain and a wicketkeeper-batter.​

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2. Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) recently secured the 2024 WPL title and possess a strong core led by captain Smriti Mandhana. With a remaining purse of around INR 6.15 crore in the auction, RCB could prioritize a marquee player like Healy to bolster their top order. Healy’s ability to provide quick starts, paired with her leadership qualities, would complement RCB’s balanced squad of hard-hitting batters and all-rounders. Given their quest for sustained dominance, acquiring a world-class opener like Healy could ensure RCB remains a championship favourite in 2026.​

3. Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians (MI), two-time WPL champions, also emerge as a strong suitor for Healy. Under the leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur and coach Lisa Keightley, MI aims to maintain its winning momentum in 2026. Healy’s aggressive style up top would give MI an added advantage in setting imposing totals or chasing down targets. Known for blending experienced internationals with emerging talents, MI’s purse and strategic approach could see them invest big to secure Healy’s services, enhancing their squad with a top-tier wicketkeeper-batter known for finishing matches emphatically.​

Combining Healy’s impactful batting, tactical acumen as captain, and elite wicketkeeping, these three franchises stand out as the frontrunners in targeting her in the WPL 2026 mega auction. Her presence promises to add not only firepower but also invaluable leadership for any team lucky enough to get her under contract in the next season of the Women’s Premier League.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.