Melbourne Renegades defeated Perth Scorchers by 4 wickets in a last-ball thriller on 7 January 2026,

In one of the most dramatic finishes of the Big Bash League 2025/26, Melbourne Renegades edged past Perth Scorchers by 4 wickets on the final delivery at Optus Stadium, Perth, on 7 January 2026.

Chasing a modest target of 128, the Renegades held their nerve in a tense run chase, with Oliver Peake’s last-ball six sealing a memorable victory in Match 26 of the season.

🏟 Match Summary

Perth Scorchers: 127 all out (19.2 overs)

Melbourne Renegades: 130/6 (20 overs)

Result: Renegades won by 4 wickets (0 balls remaining)

Player of the Match: Oliver Peake

🥇 Perth Scorchers Innings – Promising Start, Disappointing Finish

Batting first, Perth Scorchers struggled to build momentum and were bowled out for 127. While the pitch offered decent bounce and carry, the batting unit failed to convert starts into a competitive total.

📊 Key Batting Performances

Aaron Hardie: 44 off 40 balls – top scorer and the backbone of the innings

Mitchell Marsh: 27 off 25 balls – looked fluent before falling at a crucial stage

Despite these contributions, regular wickets meant the Scorchers never truly accelerated. A lack of partnerships in the middle overs proved costly.

🎯 Renegades Bowling Highlights

Gurinder Sandhu: 4 overs, 28 runs, 4 wickets – match-turning spell

Hassan Khan: 2 wickets for 26 runs – controlled the middle overs well

Sandhu’s disciplined bowling dismantled the Scorchers’ middle order and ensured the total stayed below 130.

🏏 Renegades Chase – Calm Under Pressure

Chasing 128, the Renegades’ innings was anything but straightforward. Early wickets kept the contest alive, and the required run rate crept up as the match progressed.

🔑 Batting Contributions

Player

Runs

Balls

Josh Brown

Runs:22(14)

Mohammad Rizwan

21(25)

Oliver Peake*

42(30)

Will Sutherland

15(18)

Oliver Peake played the defining role, anchoring the innings while maintaining intent. His unbeaten 42 showcased maturity beyond his years and ensured the Renegades remained in the chase till the end.

Mohammad Rizwan steadied the innings during a tricky phase, while Josh Brown’s aggressive start provided early momentum.

🔥 The Deciding Moment

With 4 runs required off the final ball, tension was at its peak. Oliver Peake stepped up and executed a perfectly timed shot that sailed over the boundary for six, sparking celebrations among players and fans alike.

The last-ball finish turned the contest into one of the most thrilling matches of the season and highlighted the drama the Big Bash League consistently delivers.

🎯 Tactical Analysis

Perth Scorchers

Failed to capitalize during the powerplay

Middle-order collapse prevented a defendable total

Bowlers created pressure but lacked final breakthroughs

Melbourne Renegades

Smart bowling plans restricted scoring opportunities

Batters rotated strike effectively under pressure

Calm decision-making in the final overs proved decisive

📊 Match Impact

This victory significantly boosts the Renegades’ confidence and tournament momentum, keeping them firmly in contention for the playoffs. Winning a last-ball thriller often defines a team’s campaign.

For the Scorchers, the defeat will raise questions about batting depth and finishing ability, especially in pressure situations.

🧠 Final Verdict

The 7 January 2026 clash will be remembered as a classic Big Bash encounter — low-scoring, high-intensity, and decided on the very last delivery. Emerging talents like Oliver Peake delivered under immense pressure, while experienced players such as Mohammad Rizwan provided stability when it mattered most.

Matches like these reaffirm why the Big Bash League remains one of the most exciting T20 tournaments in world cricket.