In a dominant display at Optus Stadium, Perth Scorchers secured their spot in the Big Bash League 2025-26 final by thrashing Sydney Sixers by 48 runs on Tuesday. The Qualifier clash showcased Scorchers’ batting resilience and bowling firepower, setting up an exciting finale on January 25.
Opting to bowl after winning the toss, Sydney Sixers watched Perth Scorchers post a challenging 147 for 9 in their 20 overs. Opener Finn Allen starred with a brisk 49 off 30 balls, smashing 2 fours and 4 sixes to lay a solid foundation. Captain Ashton Turner contributed 29 off 21, while Jhye Richardson added a quick 20 off 18. Mitchell Marsh struggled, managing just 5 off 7.
Sydney’s bowlers shared the spoils effectively. Mitchell Starc, Ben Dwarshuis, and Jack Edwards each claimed 2 wickets, with Joel Davis and Benjamin Manenti picking one apiece. Despite the wickets, Scorchers’ total looked defendable on a pitch offering assistance.
Chasing 148, Sydney Sixers collapsed dramatically to 99 all out in just 15 overs. Steve Smith top-scored with 37 off 24 balls, but no other batter could anchor the innings. Babar Azam endured a nightmare, dismissed for a golden duck off 2 balls.
Perth’s bowlers ran riot, led by Mahli Beardman who took 3 for 20 in 3 overs. Cooper Connolly and David Payne grabbed 2 wickets each, with Jhye Richardson and Aaron Hardie chipping in one apiece. The clinical performance left Sixers shell-shocked.
Finn Allen earned Player of the Match honors for his explosive knock. Perth Scorchers now gear up for the final, while Sydney Sixers get another shot via the Challenger, where they’ll face the knockout winner. This victory underscores Scorchers’ title credentials in BBL 2025-26.
