Top Spot on the Line as Scorchers Host Stars in BBL Blockbuster
PERTH, 17 January 2026 – The Perth Scorchers will host the Melbourne Stars tonight in a winner-takes-all showdown for top spot on the KFC BBL|15 ladder. With both sides locked on 12 competition points, the victor at Optus Stadium will leapfrog the Hobart Hurricanes to secure a home Qualifier and the coveted double chance in the finals series.
Finals Secured After Allen Century
The Scorchers enter the clash full of confidence after securing their finals berth with a commanding 50-run victory over the Melbourne Renegades on Thursday. New Zealand opener Finn Allen blasted a spectacular maiden BBL century, scoring 101 from just 53 deliveries to power his side to 7/219. The Renegades, despite a brisk 42 from Jake Fraser-McGurk, could only manage 7/169 in reply, ending their slim finals hopes.
Key Facts: BBL|15 Standings & Match Details
| Team | P | W | L | Pts | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart Hurricanes (Q) | 10 | 6 | 3 | 13 | +0.331 |
| Perth Scorchers (Q) | 9 | 6 | 3 | 12 | +1.319 |
| Melbourne Stars (Q) | 9 | 6 | 3 | 12 | +1.031 |
| Brisbane Heat | 9 | 5 | 4 | 10 | -0.375 |
Match: Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Stars, KFC BBL|15 Match 39
Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth
Date & Time: Saturday, 17 January 2026. First ball at 5:15 pm local time (8:15 pm AEDT).
Broadcast: Fox Cricket, Kayo Sports.
Team News & Preview
The Scorchers receive a significant boost with the return of Australian wicketkeeper Josh Inglis, who was rested under a Cricket Australia workload management plan for the Renegades match. His inclusion is the only change to the squad that triumphed in Melbourne.
The Stars welcome back English batter Joe Clarke from a hip injury, with Sam Hain making way. The visitors boast a potent pace attack featuring Tom Curran, Haris Rauf, and the evergreen Peter Siddle, who has taken 15 wickets this season.
History favours the Scorchers, who have won their past seven encounters against the Stars. A victory tonight would equal their longest winning streak against a single opponent in BBL history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the winner of this match get?
The winning team will finish the regular season in first place on the BBL ladder. This guarantees them a home Qualifier final and, crucially, a second chance in the finals should they lose that match.
Who are the players to watch?
For the Scorchers, all eyes will be on centurion Finn Allen, whose season strike rate of 192.6 is among the tournament’s best. For the Stars, veteran quick Peter Siddle continues to defy his age and will lead the attack.
What happens to the loser?
The defeated side will finish third and host the fourth-placed team (currently the Brisbane Heat) in the sudden-death Knockout final next week.