Perth Scorchers have secured the services of one of world cricket’s most accomplished all-rounders, with Sophie Devine recommitting to the club on a one-year deal for the 12th edition of the Women’s Big Bash League, scheduled from 29 October to 5 December 2026.
The 37-year-old New Zealand veteran will return for her seventh season in a Perth Scorchers playing capacity, adding experience, leadership and proven match-winning quality to a side determined to go one step further after finishing runners-up last season. Sophie Devine was at the heart of Perth’s campaign in WBBL 11, as the Scorchers finished third on the points table with 12 points from 12 league matches, recording six victories and four defeats. Their impressive run took them to the final, where they suffered an eight-wicket defeat <a href="https://cricket.international/rohit-sharma-vs-virat-kohli-who-has-better-record-against-west-indies/” title=”Rohit Sharma vs Virat Kohli: Who has better record against West Indies?”>against the Hobart Hurricanes in Hobart on 13 December 2025.
One of the defining figures in WBBL history, Devine has amassed 4,195 runs at a strike rate of 126.85 and an average of 34.95 in 142 innings across 143 matches. Her tournament record includes 22 half-centuries and four centuries since her WBBL debut on 12 December 2015, when she represented the Adelaide Strikers against the Hobart Hurricanes at Launceston.
Her impact with the ball has been equally significant. Devine has claimed 124 wickets at an average of 23.10 and an economy rate of 7.47 in 129 innings, including two four-wicket hauls and one five-wicket haul. That all-round influence remains central to Perth’s ambitions as the franchise looks to challenge for its 2nd WBBL title.
“Her experience, leadership and ability to influence games in crucial moments make her one of the premier players in world cricket and a hugely valuable member of our squad,” Perth Scorchers General Manager Kade Harvey said. “Sophie is invested in the Club and our people, and her commitment to returning speaks volumes about the environment we’re continuing to build at the Scorchers.”
Devine announced her retirement from international cricket on 29 April 2026. She played her final ODI against England at Visakhapatnam on 26 October 2025 and her last T20I against England at The Oval on 27 June 2026. Having represented New Zealand in more than 300 (317) international matches, scoring 4,279 ODI runs and 3,817 T20I runs and picking up 111 ODI wickets and 130 T20I wickets across formats, she now enters the next phase of her career with a renewed focus on franchise cricket.
The veteran is also aiming to begin WBBL 12 at full strength after rehabilitating a calf injury sustained during The Hundred in August. “I’m passionate about playing for the Scorchers, and I’m feeling really grateful to have re-signed for another year,” Devine said. “It was disappointing not to go all the way last year, but I’m looking forward to hopefully pushing one step further.”
Perth have now confirmed 10 players for the upcoming season: Chloe Ainsworth, Sophie Devine, Amy Edgar, Ebony Hoskin, Freya Kemp, Alana King, Katie Mack, Lilly Mills, Beth Mooney and Ruby Strange. Five places remain to be filled, while the club has not yet officially named its captain.
The runners-up will begin their WBBL 12 campaign against the Melbourne Renegades in the tournament’s fifth match at the W.A.C.A. Ground, Perth, on 31 October 2026 from 1:40 PM IST. With Devine back in orange, the Scorchers possess both the experience and belief required to mount another serious title challenge.
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Source: femalecricket.com
