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Big Bash League 2025-26

Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Renegades Prediction & Match Preview – BBL 26th Match

Our verdict

Perth Scorchers

The Scorchers are second in the table on a three-match winning run, with Aaron Hardie in superb touch, while the Renegades sit near the bottom with two wins from five.

Toss pick: Perth Scorchers

Big Bash League 2025-26Perth ScorchersMelbourne RenegadesPerth Stadium

Perth Scorchers have found their rhythm as the season has gone on. They have won four of six games, sit second in the table and come into this match on three straight wins. Aaron Hardie is at the heart of that success with 176 runs from six innings, and with Finn Allen unavailable, captain Ashton Turner and Cooper Connolly, who have both passed 160 runs, will be expected to step up. Mitchell Marsh also looks back to his best after a century against Hobart.

In the bowling, Joel Paris has 10 wickets from six games at 8.60 an over, Connolly and Brody Couch have shared 12, and Hardie has seven.

Melbourne Renegades have two wins and three losses and feel the pressure near the bottom of the table, although a recent win over the Stars could give them a lift. Tim Seifert’s attacking starts have set the tone, Josh Brown has backed him up, and Oliver Peake and Mohammad Rizwan have each passed 90 runs. Gurinder Sandhu has 10 wickets, though at an economy of 9.88, and Jason Behrendorff and Will Sutherland have combined for nine. The rest of the attack will need to apply more consistent pressure against a strong Scorchers side.

Probable XIs

Perth Scorchers

  1. Mitchell Marsh
  2. Sam Fanning
  3. Cooper Connolly
  4. Aaron Hardie
  5. Ashton Turner (c)
  6. Joel Curtis (wk)
  7. Nick Hobson
  8. Ashton Agar
  9. Joel Paris
  10. Brody Couch
  11. Mahli Beardman

Melbourne Renegades

  1. Josh Brown
  2. Tim Seifert
  3. Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
  4. Jake Fraser-McGurk
  5. Oliver Peake
  6. Hassan Khan
  7. Will Sutherland (c)
  8. Matthew Spoors
  9. Gurinder Sandhu
  10. Callum Stow
  11. Jason Behrendorff

Pitch report

Perth Stadium is known for pace and lively bounce, which can make life hard for batters early on. Fast bowlers get movement off the seam and extra carry, often putting top orders under pressure in the powerplay. Once batters adjust, the true surface and quick outfield make strokeplay easier. Spinners usually get limited turn and rely on accuracy and variation, helped by the large boundaries. Teams generally prefer to bat first and post a strong total.

Weather

Around 4:15 pm local time on 7 January Perth is expected to be warm and dry, with temperatures in the mid to high 20s °C, mostly clear to sunny skies and very little chance of rain. A light to moderate breeze is unlikely to affect play significantly.

Frequently asked questions

Who is favoured in Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Renegades?

Our preview picks Perth Scorchers, who have won four of six matches and arrive on a run of three straight victories.

Who is in form for Perth?

Aaron Hardie has 176 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 180 and seven wickets, and Mitchell Marsh looked back to his best with a century against Hobart.

Who has been the Renegades’ best batter?

Tim Seifert has 176 runs in five innings at a strike rate of 172, with Josh Brown on 168 runs at 148.

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