Perth Scorchers punched their ticket to the Big Bash League 2025-26 final with a resounding 48-run victory over Sydney Sixers in the Qualifier at Optus Stadium. The January 20 thriller highlighted Scorchers’ all-round prowess, positioning them as favorites heading into the January 25 showdown.
Sydney Sixers, after calling correctly at the toss, inserted Perth to bat first. Scorchers responded with 147/9, powered by Finn Allen’s aggressive 49 from 30 deliveries, featuring 2 boundaries and 4 maximums. Ashton Turner (29 off 21) and Jhye Richardson (20 off 18) provided crucial support, though Mitchell Marsh fell cheaply for 5 off 7.
The Sixers’ attack was led by Mitchell Starc, Ben Dwarshuis, and Jack Edwards with 2 wickets each. Joel Davis and Benjamin Manenti accounted for the rest, but couldn’t restrict the scoring rate sufficiently.
In pursuit of 148, Sydney unravelled spectacularly, bowled out for 99 in 15 overs. Steve Smith’s gritty 37 off 24 was the lone bright spot, as Babar Azam perished without scoring off 2 balls. The batting lineup failed to counter Perth’s varied attack.
Mahli Beardman shone brightest with 3/20 from 3 overs, backed by Cooper Connolly and David Payne’s 2 wickets apiece. Jhye Richardson and Aaron Hardie sealed the deal with one each. This bowling masterclass dismantled Sixers’ chase.
Player of the Match Finn Allen’s innings proved decisive. Scorchers celebrate their final berth, while Sixers must win the Challenger against the knockout champions to force a rematch. BBL fans are in for a treat.
