Babar Azam's duck turns Sydney Sixers' nightmare as Perth Scorchers march into BBL final

BBL 2025-26 Qualifier 1 match report [Source: @ScorchersBBL/X.com]

Perth Scorchers booked their place in the BBL 2025-26 final with a commanding 48-run victory over Sydney Sixers in the Qualifier at Perth Stadium. 

After setting a decent total of 147 runs, the Scorchers’ bowling attack breathed fire in the second inning, disallowing the Sixers to even cross the 100-run mark.

Perth Scorchers recover after early blows

Asked to bat first, the Perth Scorchers were put under pressure early after losing Mitchell Marsh cheaply. Then came Finn Allen, who played a quick and aggressive innings to stabilise the innings.

Allen smashed 49 off just 30 balls, finding the boundary regularly and lifting the home crowd with his aggressive intent.  

After Allen's removal, the wickets kept falling in regular intervals. Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis and Cooper Connolly just could not convert their starts to let Sixers back into the game.

The crucial innings came from captain Ashton Turner, who scored 29 runs from 21 balls, helping Perth reach a decent total. Jhye Richardson’s late contribution of 20 added valuable runs as the Scorchers finished on 147/9, a total that looked modest but defendable on a lively surface. 

Sydney Sixers collapse after the early wicket of Babar Azam

Sydney Sixers’ chase began in disastrous fashion. Babar Azam was dismissed for a second-ball duck, putting the visitors immediately on the back foot. 

Josh Philippe and Moises Henriques also fell early, leaving the Sixers reeling inside the powerplay. Steven Smith stood firm amid the chaos, playing a fluent knock of 37 from 24 balls, but found little support at the other end.

Lachlan Shaw offered brief resistance, but once Smith was dismissed, the chase quickly unravelled.

The required rate climbed sharply, and the Sixers’ middle and lower order struggled to cope with the disciplined bowling and sharp fielding from Perth. The innings ended in the 15th over, with the Sixers bowled out for just 99.

Perth bowlers seal the deal

Perth’s bowlers delivered a clinical performance from the start. Young pacer Mahli Beardman was the standout, picking up three key wickets and breaking the backbone of the Sixers’ top order. 

Cooper Connolly and David Payne picked two wickets each, while Jhye Richardson continued to keep the pressure intact with his lines and pace.

The Scorchers’ fielding also played a big role, with sharp catches and smart run-outs adding to the Sixers’ troubles. The constant pressure meant Sydney never found momentum in their chase.

Scorchers march on, Sixers left to regroup

This victory advances the Perth Scorchers to the final of the Big Bash competition, and in doing so, they continue to prove why they are one of the most competitive teams in the competition.

Sydney Sixers, meanwhile, will have to regroup quickly as their first knockout campaign ends in disappointment after a one-sided qualifier.

They still have a second chance to compete in the Challenger, while the Scorchers will now directly play the BBL 2025-26 final on January 25.