We were completely outplayed in all facets of the game, says Sophie Devine

Perth Scorchers’ campaign in the sixth season of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) came to an end when they suffered a seven-wicket loss in the first semi-final at the hands of Melbourne Stars at the North Sydney Oval on Wednesday (November 25).



Skipper Sophie Devine expressed her disappointment in how their season ended and said they were completely outplayed by the Stars in all three facets of the game.



“If I'm being brutally honest, we were completely outplayed in all facets of the game,” Devine said at the media interaction after the match. “We didn't score enough runs and then we bowled poorly. We knew we had to take ten wickets to win that game and we were probably a little bit sloppy in the field.”



Defending a moderate target of 125, although Scorchers managed to pick two early wickets in the power play, Stars’ much heralded batting line-up was able to score at a rapid pace and eventually got home with plenty of balls to spare.



ALSO READ: We are just going to do plenty of fun, play aggressive brand of cricket, says Alana King



“It's certainly something that we spoke about as a group leading into the game. We know the threat that they've got with the bat and how well not only Meg (Lanning) chases but also the way that Mignon du Preez has been playing, Nate Silver as well-she's world class,” Devine said.



“We got a sniff when took a few early wicket Elyse Villani. We knew she was going to come out hard, we held our nerve and got her early. Just disappointing not to snare another wicket early on and really put the pressure on them."



Earlier, batting first Scorchers couldn’t get off the block early with both the in-form openers, Devine and Beth Mooney, managing to score only 32 runs from the power play. The New Zealand allrounder felt that wicket was on the slower side at the start and it was difficult to get going from the beginning. Scorchers were reduced to 51 for 4 before handy knocks from Nicole Bolton and Sarah Glenn took them to the score of 125.



“I thought the pitch was a little bit slower than it has been here. We probably spoke a lot about playing under the lights at the wicket, comes on really nicely. We both felt that was actually a little bit difficult to get under way. We were a little bit slower than we would have liked but we also knew that they bowled well as well,” said the 31-year-old.



“The likes of Nicole Bolton was fantastic. Sarah Glenn (played) a little cameo and that's what we know our middle order can do. I think they probably copped a little bit in the last few games but I certainly know that the skills there and as we saw tonight that they can perform. I think it's really positive signs moving forward.”



ALSO READ: We play our best when we display fearless brand of cricket, says Thunder’s Tahlia Wilson



Devine, who moved to Scorchers ahead of the season from Adelaide Strikers, said she loved the experience of playing for the Perth side.



“There's going to be plenty of learnings for me in this group, obviously first year with the Scorchers, and I absolutely loved it. Working with Shelley (Nitschke) as well. I'll take the time over the next a week or two to just reflect on the season both on and off the field.”



Devine was one of the three Scorchers players named in the Team of the Tournament along with Mooney and pacer Taneale Peschel. Devine, who was also named as the Player of the Tournament, had special words of praise for Peschel’s efforts with the ball.



“We've all seen how great Taneale Peschel was being with us with the ball. I think we certainly know her potential and she's shown glimpses of that this tournament. Hopefully she's taken all the confidence out of the season and we can keep growing with it.”



“There's a lot of other players, I thought Chloe Piparo played some fantastic innings throughout the competition. There's some really good signs they're moving forward and that's what we've got to keep looking forward,” Devine concluded.