BBL 2025-26, Match 39 Review: Scorchers swat aside Stars to top table

Perth Scorchers trounced Melbourne Stars by six wickets in Match 39 of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 on Saturday, January 17, at Perth Stadium.

After winning the toss and opting to bowl first, Perth Scorchers put immediate pressure on the Stars’ batting lineup as they struggled from the onset, losing top-order batters Thomas Fraser Rogers, Sam Harper, and Joe Clarke for single-digit scores.

Campbell Kellaway and Marcus Stoinis joined hands to stabilise the innings courtesy of their 43-ball 52-run fourth-wicket partnership before Kellaway fell for 19. The lower collapsed thereafter, with the Stars being dismissed for a sub-par 130 in 18.2 overs. Stoinis was the standout performer with 55 off 39, including five fours and two sixes.

Scorchers dominated right through the innings, with Jhye Richardson claiming 4/16 in just 3.2 overs while Cooper Connolly and David Payne contributed two wickets each. Aaron Hardie and Mahli Beardman also managed one wicket apiece.

In reply, the Scorchers lost early wickets too, with Mitchell Marsh scoring 12, Connolly 2, and Josh Inglis 1. However, Finn Allen and Aaron Hardie's match-defining 94-run partnership in 66 balls for the fourth wicket changed the course of the game. Allen smacked 69 off 39 balls, hitting two fours and seven sixes, while Hardie remained unbeaten on 41.

Ashton Turner finished the chase as Perth Scorchers reached the target in 16.5 overs, recording a comfortable six-wicket win. From Stars, Haris Rauf was the pick of the bowlers, recording 3/23 in four overs, while Peter Siddle took one.

Both Perth Scorchers and Melbourne Stars have secured qualification for the next round, and the win allowed Perth Scorchers to solidify their strong position in the BBL 2025-26 tally.  The Scorchers finished at the top of the points table with 14 points from 10 games while the Stars sit at third with 12 points.