WBBL 2025: Perth Scorchers quick Chloe Ainsworth hails side’s nerves in one-run win over Adelaide Strikers

Perth Scorchers quick Chloe Ainsworth has hailed the side and spinner Amy Edgar’s nerves of steel against Adelaide after they clung on for a clutch one-run victory at the WACA on Saturday night. And it’s a skill the side will hold dear down the stretch with Perth likely needing to win all of their remaining four games to remain in finals calculations with teams around them holding a game in hand. After star opening pair, Beth Mooney and Katie Mack, were bundled out cheaply, skipper Sophie Devine (49n.o), youngster Maddy Darke (34), and English import Paige Schofield (46n.o) powered the home side to a competitive 4-159. However, the total looked a long way short of being enough as the Strikers motored to 96 with eight wickets in hand. It didn’t faze the Scorchers, who came into the game sitting fourth after a four-game road trip, as Edgar spun a web in a player-of-the-match performance. She grabbed three wickets before being handed the ball to defend 13 runs with six balls and a wicket remaining. It started poorly with 11 runs coming from the first four balls, but just as all appeared lost, she struck the winning blow to seal a memorable triumph. “She is just the calmest person in the world. She could get hit for six and next ball be completely fine,” Ainsworth said of Edgar post-match. “So, I think her being able to do that all the time, she just showed why she’s able to take poles.” Ainsworth starred herself as the Scorchers retained their top-four position, taking 3-22 from her allotted four overs after taking the new ball as well as assisting an Edgar run out. “It was pretty hectic out there,” she said. “I think everyone held their nerve really well, and we got across the line. “Cricket’s a pretty funny game, but I think our bowlers did really well to hold their lengths and then end up taking the poles that really killed the game.” The Scorchers will now head to Melbourne for another whirlwind road trip with a game against Renegades on Thursday and then a trip to face league leaders Hobart at Ninja Stadium.