Match Details
Commentary
Perth Scorchers (Probable XI): Mitchell Marsh, Finn Allen, Cooper Connolly, Josh Inglis (wk), Aaron Hardie, Ashton Turner (c), Laurie Evans/Nick Hobson, Ashton Agar, Joel Paris, Brody Couch, Mahli Beardman
Sydney Thunder (Probable XI): Sam Konstas, Matthew Gilkes, David Warner (c), Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings (wk), Shadab Khan, Daniel Sams, Chris Green, Nathan McAndrew/Tom Andrews, Tanveer Sangha, Reece Topley
Preview by AkshayaKrishna Polya
Sydney Thunder take on Perth Scorchers at Sydney Showground Stadium in the 16th match of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 on Tuesday (December 30).
Both teams have had a tough start to the 15th season of the BBL. The Scorchers are currently fifth on the points table, with two points from three matches, having won one and lost two. On the other hand, the Thunder are seventh with two points from four games, having won one and lost three.
Both teams have made one change each to their matchday squad. Dynamic wicketkeeper batter Josh Inglis, who was recently released from Australia's Ashes squad, is all set for his first BBL game of the season as he replaces fast bowler Bryce Jackson in the Perth-based club's squad. On the flip side, left-arm spinning all-rounder Tom Andrew returns to the Thunder squad, replacing Aidan OāConnor.
The visitors are coming off a four-wicket defeat to Hobart Hurricanes. One of the most brutal batting units in the competition has failed, with the likes of mighty Western Australians Mitchell Marsh, Aaron Hardie, and Ashton Turner unable to produce the goods. Cooper Connolly had a rare off game with the bat. It was Finn Allen again with some thunderous striking at the top, scoring 43 off 23 balls. Laurie Evans and Nick Hobson tried to rebuild with some attacking cricket after they joined when the team's score was 86/5. Eventually, the Scorchers posted exactly 150/8.
However, Perth Scorchers didn't let the Hurricanes cruise home as Connolly struck thrice with the ball after getting a chance with the new ball. Joel Paris got a couple of scalps, while Mahli Beardman bowled a quality spell, picking up a wicket. With Hardie taken to the cleaners, there weren't many runs on the board to keep the likes of Tim David and Nikhil Chaudhary quiet.
Speaking of the hosts, they were assaulted by high-flying Melbourne Stars in the last game. The Thunder were bundled out for just 128. Seven of the 11 batters got into the double figures. Three of them even crossed the 20-run mark, but no one stood tall and played an impactful innings. Skipper David Warner has been struggling to find runs. Matthew Gilkes and Sam Konstas have been tasked with opening this season, but they haven't been consistent enough to score big. Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings and Shadab Khan have been left too much to do in the middle order.
The Stars made a mockery of the run chase in 14 overs. Chris Green got the solitary wicket in the form of Joe Clarke, but by that time, the Englishman had done the damage. The likes of Reece Topley and Daniel Sams need to step up with the ball.
Last season's finalists need to pull up their socks before the time runs out. Can the Thunder beat the star-studded Scorchers? To know, join us at 12:45 PM IST and 6:15 PM Local Time on Tuesday for its live coverage!
Sydney Thunder take on Perth Scorchers at Sydney Showground Stadium in the 16th match of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 on Tuesday (December 30).
Both teams have had a tough start to the 15th season of the BBL. The Scorchers are currently fifth on the points table, with two points from three matches, having won one and lost two. On the other hand, the Thunder are seventh with two points from four games, having won one and lost three.
Both teams have made one change each to their matchday squad. Dynamic wicketkeeper batter Josh Inglis, who was recently released from Australia's Ashes squad, is all set for his first BBL game of the season as he replaces fast bowler Bryce Jackson in the Perth-based club's squad. On the flip side, left-arm spinning all-rounder Tom Andrew returns to the Thunder squad, replacing Aidan OāConnor.
The visitors are coming off a four-wicket defeat to Hobart Hurricanes. One of the most brutal batting units in the competition has failed, with the likes of mighty Western Australians Mitchell Marsh, Aaron Hardie, and Ashton Turner unable to produce the goods. Cooper Connolly had a rare off game with the bat. It was Finn Allen again with some thunderous striking at the top, scoring 43 off 23 balls. Laurie Evans and Nick Hobson tried to rebuild with some attacking cricket after they joined when the team's score was 86/5. Eventually, the Scorchers posted exactly 150/8.
However, Perth Scorchers didn't let the Hurricanes cruise home as Connolly struck thrice with the ball after getting a chance with the new ball. Joel Paris got a couple of scalps, while Mahli Beardman bowled a quality spell, picking up a wicket. With Hardie taken to the cleaners, there weren't many runs on the board to keep the likes of Tim David and Nikhil Chaudhary quiet.
Speaking of the hosts, they were assaulted by high-flying Melbourne Stars in the last game. The Thunder were bundled out for just 128. Seven of the 11 batters got into the double figures. Three of them even crossed the 20-run mark, but no one stood tall and played an impactful innings. Skipper David Warner has been struggling to find runs. Matthew Gilkes and Sam Konstas have been tasked with opening this season, but they haven't been consistent enough to score big. Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings and Shadab Khan have been left too much to do in the middle order.
The Stars made a mockery of the run chase in 14 overs. Chris Green got the solitary wicket in the form of Joe Clarke, but by that time, the Englishman had done the damage. The likes of Reece Topley and Daniel Sams need to step up with the ball.
Last season's finalists need to pull up their socks before the time runs out. Can the Thunder beat the star-studded Scorchers? To know, join us at 12:45 PM IST and 6:15 PM Local Time on Tuesday for its live coverage!
Perth Scorchers Squad: Ashton Turner (c), Ashton Agar, Finn Allen (wk), Mahli Beardman, Cooper Connolly, Brody Couch, Laurie Evans (wk), Sam Fanning, Aaron Hardie, Nick Hobson, Mitchell Marsh, Joel Paris, Corey Rocchiccioli, Josh Inglis (wk)
Sydney Thunder Squad: David Warner (c), Tom Andrews, Cameron Bancroft (wk), Sam ā Billings (wk), Chris Green, Matthew Gilkes (wk), Ryan Hadley, Shadab Khan, Sam Konstas, Nathan McAndrew, Blake Nikitaras, Daniel Sams, Tanveer Sangha, Reece Topley