The Optus Stadium roared as Perth Scorchers clinched a convincing 48-run win over Sydney Sixers in the BBL 2025-26 Qualifier, earning a direct path to the final on January 25. This Tuesday night demolition affirmed Scorchers’ status as a powerhouse side.
With Sixers electing to field, Perth openers set the tone. Finn Allen blazed 49 off 30 balls (2×4, 4×6), steering the team to 147/9. Skipper Ashton Turner made 29 off 21, Jhye Richardson 20 off 18, but Mitchell Marsh managed only 5 from 7 balls.
Sydney’s bowlers struck back: Mitchell Starc (2 wkts), Ben Dwarshuis (2), Jack Edwards (2), Joel Davis (1), and Benjamin Manenti (1) kept things tight, yet Scorchers’ late surge proved vital.
Sydney’s reply crumbled under pressure, folding at 99 in 15 overs while chasing 148. Steve Smith fought with 37 off 24, but Babar Azam’s duck off 2 balls epitomized their woes. No partnerships lasted.
Perth’s seamers dominated: Mahli Beardman (3/20 in 3 overs), Cooper Connolly (2 wkts), David Payne (2), Jhye Richardson (1), and Aaron Hardie (1). The strategy of pace variations overwhelmed Sixers.
Finn Allen scooped Player of the Match. Scorchers’ balanced unit shines, now eyeing the trophy. Sixers head to Challenger for a do-or-die against the knockout victors, keeping the BBL drama alive.