WBBL08 match preview: Perth Scorchers v Melbourne Stars

Key match-ups, analysis, form, team news, weather forecast, tickets, TV and streaming information, odds, predictions and more ahead of the latest encounter in the 2022 Weber WBBL

What's the match?

Perth Scorchers take on Melbourne Stars in match 11 of the WBBL; the eighth edition of the tournament.

When is it taking place?

The game is scheduled to start at 8.10pm local time (10.10am BST) on Thursday, October 20.

Where is the match being played?

The WACA in Perth is set to stage this match.

Who's got the form?

Melbourne Stars come into this match winless and in desperate need of some points. Lauren Winfield-Hill has been batting well having scored 74 and 20 in her opening two games but has lacked support from her teammates. England international Alice Capsey has not yet had a good score but remains more than capable of producing a match-winning innings if she gets in.

The Stars produced an improved bowling performance against Sydney Sixers on Sunday, with Kim Garth, in particular, finding some form with her two wickets.

Perth Scorchers are second in the WBBL table having won their first two matches. Their batting is yet to be tested since the defending champions' bowling attack has limited their oppositions. Alana King and Marizanne Kapp have been taking wickets whilst remaining economical.

Despite chasing two low scores, Sophie Devine has looked in good form, scoring an unbeaten 44 in her side's opening match. Beth Mooney will also go into this game with confidence after guiding her team to an easy win against Hobart Hurricanes, scoring 38 not out.

Perth Scorchers will be confident heading into this encounter, with their team showing encouraging form. Individuals in Melbourne Stars have shown some quality but will need to collectivly perform to overcome the defending champions.

^{Lauren Winfield-Hill has made a strong start to life at Melbourne Stars [Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images]}

What's the key match-up?

The last time the two sides met Perth Scorchers came out on top, winning by four wickets.

Perth Scorchers' middle order has been untested in the first two matches and if the likes of Kim Garth and Annabel Sutherland can get early wickets for the Stars, it will be interesting to see how they perform.

There may be an exciting battle between Scorchers bowler King and Stars batter Winfield-Hill. The England international may bat out King's overs and target another bowler or she could look to put pressure on King from the start, not allowing her to settle.

What's the weather forecast?

After a light shower at 5pm local time, the evening is set to be cloudy with temperatures at around 17 degrees Celsius.

What is the team news?

Jemimah Rodrigues is likely to feature for Melbourne Stars after missing the opening rounds due to India's involvement in the Asia Cup. Bess Heath, who joined the club as an overseas replacement, will no longer be available for selection.

Neither side has any injury issues.

^{Alana King [Getty Images]}

What are the squads?

Perth Scorchers: Mathilda Carmichael, Piepa Cleary, Sophie Devine (c), Maddy Green, Marizanne Kapp, Alana King, Lilly Mills, Beth Mooney, Taneale Peschel, Chloe Piparo, Holly Ferling, Amy Edgar, Maddy Darke, Georgia Wyllie, Charis Bekker

Melbourne Stars: Meg Lanning (unavailable - personal reasons), Alice Capsey, Lucy Cripps, Sophie Day, Nicole Faltum (c), Tess Flintoff, Kim Garth, Rhys McKenna, Sasha Moloney, Sophie Reid, Jemimah Rodrigues, Annabel Sutherland, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Hasrat Gill, Olivia Henry

What are the possible starting XIs?

Perth Scorchers: Sophie Devine, Beth Mooney, Chloe Piparo, Maddy Green, Marizanne Kapp, Mathilda Carmichael, Amy Edgar, Alana King, Piepa Cleary, Lilly Mills, Taneale Peschel

Melbourne Stars: Jemimah Rodrigues, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Alice Capsey, Sophie Reid, Annabel Sutherland, Nicole Faltum, Sasha Moloney, Tess Flintoff, Rhys McKenna, Sophie Day

What are the odds?

The strong favourites for this game are Perth Scorchers at 3/10. The bookies have Melbourne Stars at 5/2 to win.

What's the prediction?

Perth Scorchers are expected to continue their winning form. Melbourne Stars have struggled this season and will face problems against the Scorchers bowling attack.

Are tickets available?

Yes. Tickets are priced at $10 for adults and free for children (under 15 years) and can be purchased on Ticketek.

Where can I watch the game?

Sky Sports holds the UK rights for the WBBL. This game will be shown on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event from 9am (BST).

In Australia, fans will be able to watch all 59 matches in the WBBL live and free on either the Seven Network or cricket.com.au

A total of 24 games will be televised on free-to-air on Seven and simulcast on Foxtel and Kayo, while the remaining 35 games will be shown on Foxtel and Kayo Sports and also live streamed for free on cricket.com.au.