BBL 15 Archives

Finn Allen seals top spot for Perth Scorchers with Melbourne Stars win

PERTH: Finn Allen continued his red-hot form as Perth Scorchers secured a six-wicket win over Melbourne Stars to finish atop the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 standings on Saturday.

The top-of-the-table clash in Perth was set up with both teams on 12 points, with a chance to end the group stage at the summit.

Scorchers made the most of the opportunity, finishing with 14 points and leaving Melbourne Stars behind on 12, while Hobart Hurricanes sit second with 13 points.

The fourth playoff spot will be decided on Sunday when the Sydney Sixers take on the Brisbane Heat.

Scorchers won the toss and opted to bowl, a decision that paid immediate dividends.

Melbourne Stars struggled against a disciplined Perth attack and were bundled out for 130 in 18.2 overs.

Jhye Richardson led the charge with a four-wicket haul, supported by David Payne and Cooper Connolly, who took two wickets each.

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The Stars’ batting lineup failed to fire, with only captain Marcus Stoinis offering resistance.

Stoinis produced a valiant 55 off 39 balls, including five fours and two sixes, but lacked support from the rest of the lineup.

Campbell Kellaway (19) and Hilton Cartwright (13) were the only other batters to reach double figures.

Chasing 131, Scorchers lost early momentum as Haris Rauf ran through the top order, picking up three wickets and reducing Perth to 26-3 in 4.1 overs.

But Finn Allen held his nerve and steadied the innings. He found a strong partner in Aaron Hardie, and the duo stitched a crucial 94-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

Allen led the chase with a 39-ball 69, smashing seven sixes and two fours, before falling to Peter Siddle with just 11 runs required.

Hardie then took charge, remaining unbeaten on 41 off 37 balls, guiding Scorchers to victory with plenty of time to spare.

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Strikers rout Renegades for 99 to sign off BBL 15 with dominant win

ADELAIDE: Adelaide Strikers wrapped up their Big Bash League (BBL) 15 campaign in emphatic fashion, thrashing Melbourne Renegades by eight wickets after bowling them out for a paltry 99 at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday.

In their final group-stage fixture, the Strikers opted to field after winning the toss, a decision that paid immediate dividends.

Jerrssis Wadia struck with the first two balls of the innings, removing Tim Seifert and Jake Fraser-McGurk for golden ducks to leave the Renegades in early disarray.

Mohammad Rizwan and Hassan Khan attempted to steady the innings with 17 runs apiece, while Caleb Jewell chipped in with 14. However, wickets continued to tumble at regular intervals, denying the Renegades any momentum.

Skipper Will Sutherland offered brief resistance, top-scoring with 38 off 28 deliveries, but found little support from the other end.

South African spinner Tabraiz Shamsi ripped through the lower order, finishing with four wickets, including the key scalp of Sutherland.

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Wadia and Lloyd Pope provided solid support, claiming two wickets each as Melbourne were bundled out for 99 in just 16.5 overs.

Chasing a modest target, the Strikers never looked under pressure.

Alex Carey got them off to a brisk start with 22 off 15 balls, while captain Matthew Short played a fluent knock of 30 from 22 deliveries before departing with the result all but sealed.

Chris Lynn (27) and Liam Scott (18) then completed the chase in quick time, guiding Adelaide home with 49 balls to spare to cap off a comprehensive victory.

Despite the convincing win, the Strikers finished the BBL 15 season in sixth place on the points table, while the Renegades ended their campaign in seventh, concluding a disappointing outing for the Melbourne-based side.

READ: Smith explains denying ‘unhappy’ Babar Azam a single in BBL

Smith explains denying ‘unhappy’ Babar Azam a single in BBL

SYDNEY: Star batter Steve Smith opened up about denying a single to Babar Azam before the ‘Power Surge’ over during the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 clash between Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder.

Babar made 47 from 39 deliveries, hitting seven boundaries before getting cleaned up by Nathan McAndrew.

The wicket left Babar fuming, who was seen striking the boundary cushion with his bat.

The incident unfolded when Steve Smith denied Babar a single after the former had faced three consecutive dot balls.

In the very next over, Steve Smith completely capitalized on Power Surge — a strategic, two-over period the batting team chooses after the 10th over, where fielding restrictions are eased with only two fielders allowed outside the inner circle, hitting 32 runs in the over.

Speaking after the match, Smith revealed the reason behind his refusal to give Babar Azam a strike.

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“We spoke at the ten-over mark, and they [the captain and coach] said take the surge straightaway,” Smith told Channel 7.

“I was like, ‘Nah, give it one over. I want to hit to the short boundary. I don’t want to screw up the first over. I’ll try to get 30 off that over’. [I] think we got 32, so it was a good result. Not sure Babar was too happy with me knocking back that single,” he remarked.

Nonetheless, Sydney Sixers cruised to a five-wicket victory while chasing a 190-run target.

Steve Smith starred with the bat, scoring a sublime 100 off 42 balls, striking nine sixes and five fours.

The emphatic win lifted the Sixers to fourth place on the BBL 15 points table, putting them firmly on course for a playoff berth.

They will now face fifth-placed Brisbane Heat in their final group-stage fixture on Sunday, with the result set to determine the last team to qualify for the playoffs.

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WATCH: Babar Azam reacts angrily after dismissal

SYDNEY: Babar Azam was left furious following his dismissal during the high-octane Big Bash League (BBL) 15 encounter between Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder here at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday.

The right-hander made 47 from 39 deliveries, hitting seven boundaries before getting cleaned up by Nathan McAndrew.

He was involved in a 141-run stand in just 74 balls with Steve Smith, who scored 100 from 42 balls.

However, Babar was visibly angry with himself after losing his wicket and was seen striking the boundary cushion with his bat.

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“Wasn’t happy, Babar. Drama in the middle of the SCG after Steve Smith knocked back a run from Babar Azam, so he could take strike during the Power Surge,” the official BBL handle posted the video on its social media handle.

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Before getting dismissed, Babar Azam was denied a single from Steve Smith after the former had faced three consecutive dot balls.

In the very next over, Steve Smith fully capitalized on Power Surge — a strategic, two-over period the batting team chooses after the 10th over, where fielding restrictions are eased with only two fielders allowed outside the inner circle, hitting 32 runs in the over.

Eventually, Sydney Sixers romped to a five-wicket victory while chasing 190 run target.

Steve Smith starred with the bat, scoring a sublime 100 off 42 balls, striking nine sixes and five fours.

The emphatic win lifted the Sixers to fourth place on the BBL 15 points table, putting them firmly on course for a playoff berth.

They will now face fifth-placed Brisbane Heat in their final group-stage fixture on Sunday, with the result set to determine the last team to qualify for the playoffs.

READ: Steve Smith, Babar Azam star as Sydney Sixers outclass Thunder

Steve Smith, Babar Azam star as Sydney Sixers outclass Thunder

Steve Smith and Babar Azam produced a batting masterclass to guide the Sydney Sixers to a commanding victory over the Sydney Thunder in a high-octane Big Bash League (BBL) 15 encounter at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday.

The emphatic win lifted the Sixers to fourth place on the BBL 15 points table, putting them firmly on course for a playoff berth.

They will now face fifth-placed Brisbane Heat in their final group-stage fixture on Sunday, with the result set to determine the last team to qualify for the playoffs.

Chasing a challenging target of 190, the Sixers got off to a flying start as Smith and Babar combined aggression with composure in a dominant opening partnership.

Smith took on the role of chief aggressor, while Babar provided stability, as the duo stitched together a 141-run stand in just 74 balls.

The partnership finally ended when Nathan McAndrew dismissed Babar, who scored a fluent 47 off 39 deliveries, including seven boundaries.

Smith continued his onslaught, racing to a blistering century off just 41 balls, peppering the boundary with nine sixes and five fours.

His innings came to an end immediately after reaching the landmark, as he was stumped off Tanveer Sangha, but not before putting the Sixers firmly in control of the chase.

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Despite losing a few quick wickets, the Sixers crossed the line comfortably with 16 balls to spare.

Jack Edwards remained unbeaten on 17 off eight balls, smashing two sixes, while Lachlan Shaw chipped in with a brisk 13 off seven to seal the win.

Earlier, Sixers skipper won the toss and opted to field, a decision that initially appeared costly as Thunder captain David Warner launched a fierce counterattack.

Warner added 56 runs for the opening stand with Matthew Gilkes, who scored 12 off 12, before Mitchell Starc broke the partnership in his first BBL appearance since the league’s fourth season.

Warner continued his assault and found solid support in Nic Maddinson, with the pair adding 84 runs in 47 balls.

Maddinson struck 26 off 16 before falling on the first ball of the final over, while Warner was left stranded at the non-striker’s end as Thunder finished on 189 for six.

The Thunder skipper remained unbeaten on a superb 110 off 65 balls, featuring 11 fours and four sixes.

For the Sixers, Sam Curran led the bowling effort with three wickets, while Starc, Edwards and Ben Manenti picked up one wicket apiece.

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Finn Allen helps Scorchers knock Renegades out of BBL 15

MELBOURNE: A scintillating century from Finn Allen propelled Perth Scorchers to a commanding victory over Melbourne Renegades, effectively ending the hosts’ campaign in the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 at Docklands Stadium on Thursday.

Already assured of a playoff berth, the Scorchers strengthened their push for a top-two finish with the emphatic win.

They will now face Melbourne Stars in their final league fixture, with both sides locked on 12 points and battling for the top spot.

Hobart Hurricanes, meanwhile, are guaranteed to finish second on 13 points after completing their league games.

Put in to bat, Perth made full use of the conditions as Allen and Mitchell Marsh launched the innings with a rapid 64-run opening stand.

Marsh departed for 20 off 15 deliveries, dismissed by Sam Elliott, but that did little to slow the Scorchers’ momentum.

Allen remained the driving force, combining fluency with brute power. He added 56 runs with Cooper Connolly and followed it up with a 44-run stand alongside Aaron Hardie, keeping the scoreboard ticking at a brisk pace.

The New Zealand batter eventually fell in the 17th over, caught off Adam Zampa after a blistering 101 off 53 balls, laced with eight sixes and five fours.

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Perth Scorchers posted an imposing 219-7 from their 20 overs, with Elliott the standout bowler for Melbourne Renegades, claiming four wickets. Zampa, Brendan Doggett and Will Sutherland chipped in with a wicket apiece.

Facing a daunting chase, the Renegades were immediately on the back foot as Josh Brown was dismissed for a duck in the opening over.

Jake Fraser-McGurk briefly injected hope with a counter-attacking 42 off just 18 balls, smashing five sixes before Luke Holt brought his cameo to an end.

With the asking rate climbing rapidly, wickets continued to fall at regular intervals.

Tim Seifert anchored the innings from one end and later added a one-sided 60-run partnership with Sam Elliott, but the target proved well beyond reach.

Seifert eventually perished for 66 off 43 balls while attempting to accelerate, effectively sealing the Renegades’ fate.

The hosts finished on 169-7, falling 50 runs short and bowing out of the tournament.

For the Scorchers, Cooper Connolly and Mahli Beardman picked up two wickets each, while Holt and Hardie contributed with one apiece.

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Kamran Akmal urges Rizwan to evolve after being retired out

Former wicket-keeper batter Kamran Akmal shared his thoughts on Mohammad Rizwan’s retired-out dismissal during the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 fixture.

Rizwan scored a sluggish 26 from 23 balls with the help of two fours and a six before Melbourne Renegades skipper Will Sutherland called the batter back to the pavilion.

The video set social media abuzz with fans questioning the decision to retire Rizwan.

Speaking on the incident on a local news channel, Akmal emphasized the demands of modern-day cricket while noting that the decision should not have benn taken.

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“Absolutely. I also believe this should not happen; he is our top player and a proven performer. You have to realise how fast these leagues are.

Every country is now following the modern-day approach to cricket, so it is vital to develop yourself accordingly,” he remarked.

He also criticized Rizwan’s approach and mentioned the Australian mindset in a shorter format of the game.

“Rizwan has been playing with the same mindset since he started in T20s. In Australia, they view the game through a specific lens. We have seen similar tactical moves in the ILT20 and the IPL,” he added.

“I have been saying for three or four years that the way he is playing will make the future very difficult. Modern-day cricket is moving at a rapid pace, and you must adapt.

It should not have happened to our best player and the Pakistan captain, but he has, in a sense, given them a reason to make that call,” Akmal concluded.

For the unversed, Mohammad Rizwan is going through a horror run in BBL 15 as having scored 167 runs in eight matches at a modest average of 20.87 and a strike rate of 101.82.

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Khajawa lavishes praise on Zaman after final-over heroics

Brisbane Heat captain Usman Khawaja has lavished high praise on pacer Zaman Khan for delivering an impactful final over to seal a victory over Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League (BBL) 15.

Set a stiff 161, the Hurricanes fell short in the final over, scoring only 157-8 at the end of their innings.

With this win, Heat secured two vital points to stay in contention of advancing through the final round.

Zaman, who came in as a replacement for injured Shaheen Afridi, made an impact with the ball, defending six in the final over to seal a come-from-behind win.

The 24-year-old started the over with a dot and a single, which was followed by two consecutive dot balls, leaving the Hurricanes needing four to win from the final delivery.

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With the crowd on its feet, Zaman held his nerve and got rid of Nikhil Chaudhary (16), who holed out to long on, resulting in an emphatic win for Heat against table toppers Hobart Hurricanes.

Speaking after the match, Khawaja praised the bowler for his outstanding bowling.

“He bowls a good yorker,” he said.

When asked whether he missed Shaheen Afridi, Khawaja said that he is happy with the replacement.

“Zaman Khan bowled really well, and Shaheen is a world-class bowler. His replacement is also very good,” said Khawaja.

For the unversed, Shaheen Afridi was ruled out of BBL 15 due to a knee sustained during the Heat’s fixture against Adelaide Strikers on 27 December.

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Australia suffer injury scare ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

Australia were dealt a worrying blow on Tuesday ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after ace all-rounder Marcus Stoinis was forced to retire hurt during the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 fixture.

Stoinis, 36, is part of Australia’s 15-member provisional squad for the forthcoming mega event and is currently leading the Melbourne Stars in the BBL.

The right-hander came out to bat with the Stars struggling at 43-3 in 8.3 overs while chasing a modest 84-run target.

The skipper made 23 of 20 balls with the help of a six and a boundary before a short of a good length ball from Jamie Overton hit his thumb during the 14th over of the game, with Stars requiring just two runs to win.

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After the blow, Stoinis immediately removed the glove and signalled for the physio. He eventually left the field and later provided an update on his injury during the post-match presentation, noting that a scan was needed.

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“I think I’ll probably be getting the scan, but I think it’s okay,” he said.

“Just sort of precautionary at the end, when you’re right near the end of an innings, I think. Initially, it feels like nothing, and then after about 10 seconds, you feel something.

And it’s probably just not worth the risk at that stage of the game, I guess. And to be honest, their boys were really good. Lynny [Chris Lynn] and Shorty [Matt Short] came up and said, mate, get off. You’ve got two runs to go, so get off. So right decision in the end,” Stoinis concluded.

Provisional Australian squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa

READ: Curran’s four-fer routs Hasan Ali’s Strikers out of BBL 15

Curran’s four-fer routs Hasan Ali’s Strikers out of BBL 15

MELBOURNE: Tom Curran’s career-best bowling figures helped Melbourne Stars crush Hasan Ali Adelaide Strikers in the 34th fixture of the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 here at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Tuesday.

Stars chased down a mere 84-run target in 15.1 overs, losing four wickets in the process, keeping their hopes alive for reaching the BBL finals.

After the defeat, Adelaide Strikers were eliminated with three wins out of nine games.

Although Stars started the chase cautiously, they eventually reached home with Thomas Rogers top-scoring with 32 from 40 with the help of two fours.

Sam Harper and Campbell Kellaway were sent packing for nine and duck, respectively, in the first three overs, which provided Adelaide Strikers with a glimmer of hope.

However, Blake Macdonald and Rogers’ 30-run partnership made light work of the chase.

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The scorecard read 43-3 in 8.3 overs when skipper Marcus Stoinis arrived at the crease and hit a 23 off 20 before getting retired hurt.

For Adelaide Strikers, Liam Scott picked up two wickets.

Earlier, Melbourne Stars capitalized on the decision to bowl first as Curran led the attack, skittling Adelaide Strikers for 83 in 19.3 overs.

It was Tom Curran’s burst with the new ball that broke the back of Stikers batting lineup.

The right-arm pacer kept the Strikers on their toes as they were reduced to 21-4 at the end of the powerplay.

The Strikers could not get going despite a brief partnership of 19 between Jamie Overton and Liam Scott that brought the score near 40 run mark.

However, Curran sparked a collapse that the Strikers never recovered from.

For Melbourne Stars, Tom Curran earned the player of the match award, scalping four in his quota of four overs while giving away only 10. Mitchell Swepson also chipped in with the ball, with three wickets to his name.

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