The Big Bash League final delivered early fireworks as Perth Scorchers’ bowlers dismantled Sydney Sixers for a paltry 132 all out. After a toss win prompted them to bowl first, Perth’s attack exposed Sydney’s vulnerabilities in a wicket-filled 20 overs.
From the second over’s last ball, Sydney’s top order disintegrated, with the collapse accelerating dramatically. The death over was catastrophic, losing three wickets and ending any hopes of a defendable total. Key contributions came from Steve Smith (24*13), Josh Philippe (24*24), skipper Moises Henriques (24*27), and Joel Davies (19). Six batsmen perished for single digits, and just one maximum punctuated the innings—Smith’s effort.
Payne and Richardson were the wreckers-in-chief for Perth, both snaring 3 wickets (Payne 3-18, Richardson 3-32). Beardman (2) and Hardie (1) mopped up the rest. Now, Scorchers eye an easy chase to add to their trophy cabinet.
Sydney’s legacy includes triumphs in 2020-21, 2019-20, and 2011-12, offset by losses in 2023-24, 2021-22, and others. Perth’s haul is more impressive: five titles from 2022-23 to 2013-14. In direct final showdowns (five times), Perth has prevailed thrice.
This low-scoring thriller has all the makings of a classic. Perth’s batting firepower versus Sydney’s revenge-seeking bowlers—expect edge-of-seat action as the target looms large.