Last Updated on 3 months ago by Charbel Coorey

It’s now or never for Melbourne Renegades. In another season that promises to be one of underachievement, the Renegades must beat Perth Scorchers today and then Adelaide Strikers on Saturday if they are to have any chance of qualifying for the playoffs.

Three nights ago, Will Sutherland’s team missed a huge opportunity against the struggling Sydney Thunder. Poor death bowling and lack of composure proved costly as they lost a match they were in control of. Also, there is the Muhammad Rizwan strike rate issue.

For the Scorchers, this match is important to get back in the top two. They still have a shot at finishing top of the table and securing a home Qualifier. Their batting is firing for the most part, and will be seeking to extract revenge on the Renegades who sealed a last-ball victory in a low-scoring thriller on January 7.

BBL 2025/26 36th Match: REN vs SCO Possible Playing XIs

Brendon Doggett and Matthew Spoors are back in the Renegades squad. Doggett should lineup in the XI.

Melbourne Renegades: 1. Josh Brown, 2. Tim Seifert (OS), 3. Muhammad Rizwan (OS, wk), 4. Jake Fraser-McGurk, 5. Caleb Jewell/Harry Dixon, 6. Hassan Khan (OS), 7. Will Sutherland (c), 8. Gurinder Sandhu, 9. Adam Zampa, 10. Jason Behrendhorff, 11. Brendan Doggett

Josh Inglis is not available for this match as he is being managed. Sam Fanning and Finn Allen are two wicketkeeping options in the squad.

Perth Scorchers: 1. Mitchell Marsh, 2. Finn Allen (OS, wk), 3. Cooper Connolly, 4. Aaron Hardie, 5. Ashton Turner (c), 6. Laurie Evans (OS), 7. Nick Hobson, 8. Jhye Richardson, 9. Luke Holt, 10. David Payne (OS), 11. Mahli Beardman

Marvel Stadium Docklands Melbourne Pitch Report and Weather

The average first innings score is 165 this season. Chasing teams won comfortably both times.

In the two matches at Docklands in BBL 2025/26, pace bowlers have taken 19 wickets at an average of 25.79 and economy of 9.06. Spinners taken just the one wicket in 15 overs so far at an average of 121 and economy of 8.07.

There is a chance of a thunderstorm in the afternoon and early evening in Melbourne today, but that isn’t an issue as this ground has a roof.

Fantasy Cricket Tips for REN vs SCO 2025/26: Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Top wicketkeeper picks:

• Finn Allen has shown glimpses of his best form in recent weeks. He is striking at 193.57 in seven matches in BBL 2025/26.

Key batter picks:

• Josh Brown is in superb form. The Renegades opener has struck 290 runs in his last six innings at an average of 48.3 and strike rate of 171.6.
• Mitch Marsh in T20s at Docklands Stadium: 9 inns, 282 runs, avg. 35.25, SR 136.23, two fifties.
• Ashton Turner has belted 160 runs in his past five knocks at an average of 80 and strike rate of 222.

Top all-rounder picks:

• Cooper Connolly is in need of runs. He’s managed just seven runs in his past four knocks with two ducks. However, he is always relevant to fantasy cricket as he bowls and has taken nine wickets in his last six games without going wicketless.
• Aaron Hardie has scores of 28, 94*, 9, 44 and 34* in his past five matches. He is also a key bowler for the Scorchers and has taken at least one wicket in four of his past five outings.
• Hassan Khan took 2/26 against the Scorchers earlier this season. He also looked in excellent rhythm with the bat against the Thunder a few nights ago. A key cog in the Renegades’ middle order.

Key bowler picks:

• Gurinder Sandhu is in outstanding wicket-taking form (18 wickets, the most in the league). He has taken a four-wicket haul on three separate occasions this season.

Other Players to Consider for your Fantasy Cricket Teams

• Tim Seifert has struggled for form since starting the season well. He’s managed just 8, 6, 11, 3 and 29 in his past five innings. He is the type of player who can go big, though.
• Will Sutherland offers all-round value but he has often struggled at this ground. He averages 51.8 with the ball and 11.6 with the bat in 25 innings at Docklands Stadium.
• Jason Behrendhorff has gone wicketless five times in his last six games. But, he does enjoy bowling at Docklands with 19 wickets in 12 matches.
• Adam Zampa has taken 23 wickets in 16 matches at Docklands (avg. 18.70, econ. 6.90).
• Jhye Richardson dismissed Jake Fraser-McGurk earlier this season. Overall, he has taken 12 wickets against the Renegades at an average of 27.4 and strike rate of 19.8.

Other Stats and Important Matchups

• Head-to-head: Matches 22, Renegades 6, Scorchers 16, N/R 1.
• At Docklands: Matches 9, Renegades 2, Scorchers 7.
• Adam Zampa has an important matchup against Cooper Connolly, who has been dismissed twice in 16 balls by legspin this season (18 runs).
• Adam Zampa vs Mitch Marsh: 10 balls, 14 runs, two wickets.
• Jhye Richardson vs Josh Brown: 6 balls, 16 runs, no wickets.
• Jhye Richardson vs Will Sutherland: 15 balls, 18 runs, one wicket.
• Will Sutherland vs Mitch Marsh: 21 balls, 37 runs, one wicket.
• Will Sutherland vs Cooper Connolly: 20 balls, 26 runs, one wicket.

BBL 2025/26 36th Match: REN vs SCO Dream11 Prediction Today

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams. 

Option 1:

Option 2:

BBL 2025/26 36th Match: REN vs SCO Match Prediction Today – Who will win?

Scorchers to win.

Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes for Dream11 free contests in line with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The stats and writer’s views are in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.

All statistics and matchups in this article have been verified by ESPNcricinfo, Bigbashboard and Cricmetric.