Perth Scorchers delivered a statement performance, demolishing Sydney Sixers by 48 runs to storm into the Big Bash League 2025-26 final. The Qualifier at Optus Stadium on January 20 was a one-sided affair, blending gritty batting with lethal bowling.
Sixers won the toss and bowled, but Perth rallied to 147/9. Finn Allen’s 49 off 30 (2 fours, 4 sixes) was the highlight, complemented by Ashton Turner’s 29 (21 balls) and Jhye Richardson’s 20 (18 balls). Mitchell Marsh’s brief stay yielded 5 off 7.
Bowling honors for Sydney went to Mitchell Starc, Ben Dwarshuis, and Jack Edwards (2 each), plus Joel Davis and Benjamin Manenti (1 each). The total set a tricky target on a seaming track.
Sydney’s chase imploded to 99 all out in 15 overs. Steve Smith’s 37 off 24 stood alone, with Babar Azam out for 0 off 2. The middle order offered no resistance.
Young gun Mahli Beardman led Perth’s charge with 3/20 (3 overs), while Cooper Connolly and David Payne took 2 each. Jhye Richardson and Aaron Hardie picked one wicket apiece, completing the rout.
Allen claimed Player of the Match. Scorchers lock in their final date for January 25, brimming with confidence. Sixers get a lifeline in the Challenger, facing the knockout winners in a high-stakes clash.