Perth Scorchers rocketed back into Big Bash League finals contention by beating the Melbourne Renegades by 51 runs at the WACA Ground on Saturday night.

The Scorchers have won three straight games since losing the opening two matches at home to have a 3-2 record while the Renegades have lost for the first time after winning their first four matches.

Renegades captain Aaron Finch won the toss and the Scorchers posted a league-best total of 3-187 thanks to 56 runs from 39 balls by South African import Herschelle Gibbs, 85 from 52 by Shaun Marsh and 40 from 27 by Adam Voges.

Bowling for the Renegades Muttiah Muralitharan returned 0-29 from his four overs while Will Sheridan had 1-22.

Needing to chase down the biggest score of the season the previously unbeaten Renegades stumbled to 3-24 with Finch out for eight, Marlon Samuels a first ball duck and Daniel Harris seven.

Ben Rohrer did his best to resurrect the innings with a tremendous 52 from 33 balls but, once he fell caught behind off Jason Behrendorff, the Renegades’ chances went out the window and they were all out for 136 with five balls remaining.

Alfonso Thomas was terrific with the ball for the Scorchers with 4-8 from 3.1 overs while Jason Behrendorff picked up three wickets despite conceding 44 runs from his four overs.

He had 24 taken off his third when Rohrer took a particularly liking to his left-arm bowling.