Perth Scorchers torch Sydney Sixers to reach ninth BBL final

The Perth Scorchers, five-time Big Bash League champions, reinforced their home fortress by dismantling the Sydney Sixers to advance to their ninth BBL final—their sixth to be hosted in Perth.

After being asked to bat first, the Scorchers posted 147/9, a total they made appear far more formidable. Finn Allen continued his strong form, hitting a 30-ball 49, including his 37th six of the season—a new BBL record. However, his dismissal triggered a collapse from 67/1 to 87/5. Captain Ashton Turner contributed 29, and a late cameo from Jhye Richardson helped push the total close to 150. For the Sixers, Ben Dwarshius was excellent with 2/23, supported by Jack Edwards and Mitchell Starc, who each took two wickets.

In response, the Sixers were never in the chase, bowled out for 99 in just 15 overs. Their innings unraveled early, losing Babar Azam stumped for a duck in the second over. Josh Philippe and Moises Henriques fell to the pace and bounce of Mahli Beardman. Steve Smith offered resistance with a fighting 37 off 24 balls, but once he was caught off Beardman in the 11th over, the match was effectively over. The Sixers' night was epitomized by Sean Abbott's comical run-out at the death, his bat stuck in the turf as he was dismissed.

The Scorchers' bowlers dominated: Mahli Beardman took 3/20, David Payne 2/13, and Cooper Connolly 2/10. The Sixers now travel to face the Brisbane Heat in the Challenger for the right to return to Perth for the final.

Brief scores:
Perth Scorchers 147/9 in 20 overs (Finn Allen 49; Ben Dwarshius 2-23, Jack Edwards 2-25) beat Sydney Sixers 99 in 15 overs (Steve Smith 37; Mahli Beardman 3-20, David Payne 2-13, Cooper Connolly 2-10) by 48 runs.