Big Bash League final recap: Perth Scorchers battle Sydney Sixers for sixth title

Chris Robinson
The West Australian
The Scorchers celebrate.
The Scorchers celebrate. Credit: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Cricket: The Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers are the Big Bash’s titans and the pair clash again in what is set to be another classic finale.

The Scorchers got the job done in Tuesday’s Qualifier in Perth as they saw off a red-hot Steve Smith.

But after the men in magenta powered past reigning champions Hobart Hurricanes in Friday night’s Challenger, they bring good form back to Optus Stadium.

Stay up to date with our live blog, with play to begin at 4.15pm WA time.

Chris Robinson

Monday’s back page

As we prepare to bid you farewell from Optus Stadium, where most players have headed to the rooms to continue the celebration, here’s an early look at The West Australian’s back page for Monday!

Thanks for your company on a winning night for the WA team. Stay tuned for plenty more cricket and sporting coverage!

Chris Robinson

Marsh's longevity

In the very first BBL final, Mitch Marsh top-scored for the match with an unbeaten 77 (against the Sixers).

Tonight, against the same opponent, 14 years later, he top-scored for the match again!

The Aussie skipper keeps on keeping on, and is part of a core of success - along with the likes of Ashton Turner, Jhye Richardson, and of course outgoing coach Adam Voges) that has helped drive the standard for this all-conquering franchise.

Mitch Marsh led the way with the bat for the Scorchers.
Mitch Marsh led the way with the bat for the Scorchers. Credit: Getty Images
Chris Robinson

Analysis

And here’s the analysis out of this evening, focusing on the key moment Steve Smith succumbed.

It will go up there with the most important reviews in Big Bash League history. Aaron Hardie hit the pads, Ashton Turner decided to go upstairs, and the Scorchers extracted the biggest obstacle standing in the way of the title.

Chris Robinson

Hits & Misses

As the players take in a lap of honour, and plenty of their children play in the confetti at the western end of Optus Stadium, take in our Hits & Misses from an unforgettable night.

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The trophy heads west once again!

For the SIXTH time... the BBL trophy has an orange shade to it!

The fireworks go off and the confetti sprays... and the crowd loves it. That winning feeling once again in the west.

Chris Robinson

Touching scenes

Ashton Turner is the last Scorchers player to get his medal - and he receives it from his three children.

He thanks for organisation, his teammates, and the crowd for breaking the record for the biggest cricket game in WA...

“This has been a long time in the making... to be able to put the best-laid plans into practic over the past week... top be able to cap it off with a trophy is really satisfying.”

Chris Robinson

Match wrap

Chris Robinson

Player of the Match: David Payne

“I’m elated... and elated for the Perth fans. It’s not really sunk in.”

Payne joined the Scorchers mid-tournament, but made his presence felt. 3-18 from his 4 today to help swing things in the home team’s favour.

Chris Robinson

The team to beat

That’s five titles for Ashton Turner as a player. Six for Adam Voges as player / coach.

The Scorchers said goodbye to their two all-time leading wicket-takers in Behrendorff and Tye in the off-season, and played most of this tournament without another bowling mainstay in Agar. But still stood head and shoulders above the rest.

The Scorchers celebrate their win.
PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 25: Mitch Marsh, Finn Allen and Cooper Connolly of the Scorchers celebrate the win during the BBL Final match between Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers Hobart Hurricanes at the Perth Stadium, on January 25, 2026, in Perth, Australia (Photo by Janelle St Pierre/Getty Images) Credit: Janelle St Pierre/Getty Images
Chris Robinson

Celebrations begin

“If Roger Cook’s here, just give us the keys to the city for 24 hours”.

That was the message on the microphone from Mitch Marsh! (Roger Cook is in fact here, but was in conversation with the person he’s sitting next to and didn’t appear to hear it)

It’s party time out on the field. Photos have started among the players, and they’re making their way over to the stage area for presentations.

David Payne your likely Player of the Match, though Marsh has a case of his own. We’ll find out in the coming moments.

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