The Perth Scorchers further solidified their status as the most successful franchise in Big Bash League history on January 25, 2026, by defeating the Sydney Sixers by six wickets. In a high-stakes final held at the Optus Stadium in Perth, the home side dominated from the outset, restricting their long-term rivals to a modest total and chasing it down with authority. This victory marks the Scorchers’ sixth BBL championship, moving them clear of all other teams in major global T20 franchise leagues.
Scorchers’ Bowling Masterclass Restricts the Sixers
After winning the bat flip, Perth Scorchers captain Ashton Turner elected to bowl first—a decision that paid immediate dividends. The Sydney Sixers struggled to find any momentum on a deck that offered significant carry for the pacers. While the tournament’s standout performer Steve Smith looked dangerous early, striking 24 off just 13 balls, his departure proved to be the turning point. Smith was dismissed LBW by Aaron Hardie after a successful Perth review, a wicket that hushed the Sixers’ supporters and invigorated the 55,000-strong home crowd.
The middle order offered little resistance as English import David Payne and the fiery Jhye Richardson tore through the lineup. Payne was particularly clinical, finishing with figures of 3 for 18, including a double-strike during the Power Surge that essentially broke the back of the Sixers’ innings. Skipper Moises Henriques and Josh Philippe both laboured to 24 runs each, but neither could accelerate against a disciplined Perth attack. Late cameos from Joel Davies (19) and Lachlan Shaw (14) pushed the total to 132, but the Sixers were eventually bowled out on the final ball of the 20th over. Young speedster Mahli Beardman polished off the tail, claiming two wickets to ensure the target remained well within reach.
Also Read: BBL Match Challenger: Sydney Sixers vs Hobart Hurricanes (Jan 23, 2026)
Explosive Start Fuels the Chase
The Scorchers’ response began with a statement of intent. Australian T20 captain Mitchell Marsh, opening the batting, pulled the very first delivery of the innings for six, setting a frantic pace for the chase. Alongside him, Finn Allen—the season’s leading run-scorer—continued his imperious form. The duo shared a 53-run opening stand in just over five overs, effectively killing the contest before the lights had fully taken effect.
Allen was eventually dismissed for 36 after a spectacular one-handed catch by Jack Edwards off the bowling of Mitchell Starc, but the damage was already done. Despite some mid-innings jitters where Sean Abbott removed both Aaron Hardie and the dangerous Marsh (44 off 43 balls), the Scorchers never looked in serious danger of falling behind the required rate.
The Finishing Blow and Championship Glory
With the trophy in sight, Josh Inglis took charge of the final stages. Displaying the composure that has become a hallmark of his game, Inglis struck a steady 29 not out to guide his team home. The match reached its climax in the 18th over when Inglis launched a majestic six over long-off to seal the victory with 15 balls to spare.
The six-wicket win was a fitting end to a season where the Scorchers finished at the top of the ladder and defeated the Sixers three times across the campaign. For the Sixers, it was a disappointing end to a resilient summer, but they were simply outclassed by a Perth unit that functioned perfectly in every department. As the celebrations began at Optus Stadium, it was clear that the “Orange Army” remains the gold standard of Australian domestic cricket, with their mix of veteran experience and emerging talents like Beardman and Cooper Connolly promising a continued dynasty for years to come.