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Marsh stars as Scorchers crush Sixers to lift record BBL title

PERTH: Mitchell Marsh and Fin Allen led Perth Scorchers to a resounding victory over Sydney Sixers to lift the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 title here at the Perth Stadium on Sunday.

Scorchers chased down a modest target of 133 in front of a packed home crowd, losing four wickets in the process with `15 balls to spare.

With this win, Perth Scorchers sealed record sixth title in the tournament’s history.

Mitchell Marsh and Fin Allen made light work of the chase with a blistering 80 run stand in 8.2 overs.

Allen continued his red-hot form and scored 36 from 22, striking four boundaries and a maximum. The right-hander innings ended in Mitchell Starcs over, thanks to a stunning catch from Jack Edwards at covers.

Sydney Sixers sniffed an opening with another wicket in the ninth over as Aaron Hardie departed for five.

As a result, Scorchers were 85-2 in 9.1 overs in BBL final.

However, Marsh held firm and kept the scoreboard ticking and put his side insight of victory in BBL final.

He was eventually removed on the first ball of the 15th over after scoring 44 from 43 balls laced with four boundaries and two sixes.

With 15 required from five overs, it was only a matter of time as Perth Scorchers cruised to victory.

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Josh Inglis who remained unbeaten on 29 from 26 finished it in style with a six of Ben Dwarshuis bowling.

For Sydney Sixers, Sean Abbott picked up two wickets.

Earlier, put into bat first, Sydney Sixers shambolic display with the bat ended their innings on 132 at the end of their 20 overs.

Daniel Hughes was the first to be dismissed, caught after only managing seven.

Sydney Sixers were 7-1 in 2 overs when Josh Philippe joined Steve Smith at the crease.

The pair added 27 before Aaron Hardie trapped Smith lbw to put his side on top. Smith made 24 from 13 with the aid of three fours and a six.

After Smith’s wicket, Perth Scorchers turned the screws on Sixers, limiting their scoring. As a result, Sixers were reduced to 66 at the half-way stage of the innings.

The slow scoring resulted in Josh Philippe’s wicket whose sluggish 24 from 24 ended in the 11th over.

In the last five overs, Sixers lost their way, thanks to David Payne’s double wicket over which sent skipper Moises Henriques (24) and Lachlan Shaw (14) packing.

Consequently, Sydney Sixers were 103-6 in 15.4 overs and their innings evetnually folded for a mere total.

For Perth Scorchers, Jhye Richardson and David Payne shared wickets between them.

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Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc propel Sixers into BBL 15 final

SYDNEY: Steve Smith’s half-century and a combined bowling effort led by Mitchell Starc propelled the Sydney Sixers into the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 final with a 57-run victory over defending champions Hobart Hurricanes in the challenger here at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Friday.

Chasing daunting 199, Hurricanes batting lineup crumbled under pressure and were bowled out for 141 in 17.2 overs.

After a 21 run opening partnership, openers Mitchell Owen and Tim Ward fell in quick time as Hurricanes were reduced to 29-2 in three overs.

Following the early hiccups, Beau Webster and skipper Ben McDermott stabilized the chase with a 48 run partnership. The pair brought the total to 77 in 9.5 overs before three wickets in quick succession in span of one over jolted their chase.

First well set batter, Webster was caught after scoring 40 from 26, striking three boundaries and a six.

Joel Davies took two wickets on successive deliveries, first removing Nikhil Chaudhary, who only managed four and the second one of dangerous Matthew Wade who was caught and bowled for a golden duck.

As a result, Hurricanes slumped to 91-6 in 12.3 overs, with Chris Jordan the next batter to fall after scoring only one.

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Hobart Hurricanes batting quickly unraveled after slump and were eventually bowled out at the end of the 17th over.

For Sydney Sixers, Ben Dwarshuis topped the wickets chart with three scalps in all-round bowling effort. Mitchell Starc, Sean Abbott and Joel Davies shared six wickets between them.

Earlier, put into bat first, Sydney Sixers put on a massive 198-8 at the end of their 20 overs.

After losing Daniel Hughes for 13, Steve Smith and Josh Philippe held the innings together with a 64 run stand.

Smith did the bulk of the scoring with Philippe adding 15 to the total with the aid of two fours.

There were some other brief contributions from the middle order with Joel Davies scoring 27 from 12, striking two fours and two sixes late down the order.

Lachlan Shaw also chipped in with the bat, hitting four boundaries on his way to 21 from 13 balls.

For Hobart Hurricanes, Riley Meredith scalped three wickets with Billy Stanlake and Rishad Hossain taking two wickets each.

The final of the tournament will be played on 25 January, Sunday between Sydney Sixers and Perth Scorchers at Perth Stadium.

Notably, this will be the sixth time that both teams will meet in BBL final.

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Babar Azam thanks Sydney Sixers fans after BBL 15 exit

Pakistan star batter Babar Azam has expressed gratitude to Sydney Sixers fans and teammates after his maiden Big Bash League (BBL) campaign came to an early end due to national team commitments.

The Sixers confirmed on Thursday that Babar will not be available for the Challenger against Hobart Hurricanes on Friday, with the right-hander required to return to Pakistan to join the national camp ahead of upcoming international assignments.

Babar had initially been cleared to play the full BBL season and was notably left out of Pakistan’s recent three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka.

However, he is now expected to be part of Pakistan’s home T20I series against Australia, which will serve as a crucial build-up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

The Pakistan batter wrapped up his first BBL stint with 202 runs from 11 matches, averaging 22.44 at a strike rate of 103.06, including two half-centuries.

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While it was a challenging tournament statistically, Babar remained upbeat about his experience in Australian conditions and his time with the Sixers.

“First of all, thank you so much Sydney Sixers for having me, all the boys, all the coaches and I have very (sic) enjoyed my time,” Babar said in a farewell message.

“Unfortunately, I will now have to leave the team, to go to the national duty. I have a lot of things I have to take back home- a lot of fun, a lot of positive things, so I have enjoyed it a lot.”

Babar Azam also reserved special praise for the Sixers’ supporters, highlighting the atmosphere at the SCG as one of the standout aspects of his stint.

“Especially, thank you to the Sydney Sixers fans there is always support there, lot of support, lot of encourage (sic), a lot of fun, so I have very enjoyed that vibe at Sydney Cricket Ground, so thank you so much,” he added.

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Sydney Sixers confirm Babar Azam will miss remainder of BBL 15

Sydney Sixers have confirmed that Pakistan star batter Babar Azam will not feature in the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 Challenger against Hobart Hurricanes, scheduled to be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Friday.

The Sixers made the announcement just over 24 hours before the knockout fixture, stating that Babar has been instructed to return to Pakistan to join the national team camp ahead of upcoming international commitments.

“The Sydney Sixers have today been informed that Sixers opener Babar Azam is required to return to Pakistan to join his national teammates in camp, as preparations commence for upcoming international matches,” the franchise said in a statement.

“As a result, Babar will depart Australia immediately and will not be available for selection for the remainder of the BBL|15 Finals Series.”

The Challenger clash will determine who faces the Perth Scorchers in the BBL final, scheduled to be held in Perth on Sunday.

Babar Azam had initially been cleared to play the full tournament and was notably not selected for Pakistan’s three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka earlier this month.

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However, he is reportedly set to play the home T20I series against Australia, which will serve as the final preparation for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

Sixers general manager Rachael Haynes confirmed that the franchise had expected the Pakistan batter to be available throughout the finals.

“The Sydney Sixers are sincerely grateful for the opportunity to have had Babar represent the club during his time in Australia,” Haynes said.

“While we had initially planned for Babar to be available throughout the Finals, he has been an immensely valued member of our group, and we fully understand that the commencement of Pakistan’s national camp means preparations are now underway for upcoming matches.”

Babar Azam concludes his maiden BBL campaign with 202 runs from 11 matches, averaging 22.44 at a strike rate of 103.06, including two half-centuries.

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Waugh suggests Sydney Sixers to drop Babar ahead of BBL 15 Challenger

Former Australian batter Mark Waugh has suggested dropping Pakistan star Babar Azam ahead of the Sydney Sixers’ crucial Big Bash League (BBL) 15 Challenger clash.

Sydney Sixers will face the winner of Wednesday’s knockout clash between Hobart Hurricanes and Melbourne Stars in the Challenger to determine the second finalist.

Waugh highlighted the Sixers’ growing dependency on Steve Smith and expressed concerns over the lack of form across the top order.

“I think a bit of tough love. They need to rejiggle their batting because, at the moment, they are almost totally reliant on Steve Smith,” Waugh said.

“Sam Curran got them out of jail in another game. He’s gone. So at the moment, there aren’t a lot of players in form.”

The former player then directly questioned Babar’s impact in the tournament so far, insisting the team needs better returns from its top order if they want to challenge for the title.

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“So, I’m bringing in either Daniel Hughes or Jordan Silk. Unfortunately, I’m going to have to drop Babar Azam,” Waugh added.

“You know, I don’t think he’s done enough at the top of the order. I know he’s world-class, but when you’re thinking about winning this tournament, so far he just hasn’t delivered.”

Waugh also explained his vision for a refreshed opening partnership, suggesting the Sixers could opt for a more aggressive or in-form option at the top.

“So I’m thinking about a new opener. You can either have Moises Henriques to open, or bring in Daniel Hughes or Jordan Silk, one of those two. That’s the way I’m thinking,” he said.

Babar’s BBL campaign this season has been below expectations. In 11 matches, the right-hander has scored 202 runs at an average of 22.44, striking at 103.06, with just two half-centuries to his name.

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Perth Scorchers storm into BBL 15 final after crushing Sydney Sixers

PERTH: Perth Scorchers delivered a clinical all-round performance to outclass Sydney Sixers by 48 runs and book their place in the final of the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 at Optus Stadium on Tuesday.

Asked to bat first, the Scorchers recovered from an early setback to post a competitive 147 for nine in their allotted 20 overs, with Finn Allen once again playing a pivotal role.

The hosts were rocked in the opening over when Mitchell Starc removed Mitchell Marsh for five, giving the Sixers a dream start.

Allen, however, counter-attacked alongside Aaron Hardie, and the pair added a vital 58 runs for the second wicket to stabilise the innings.

Starc returned to break the stand, dismissing Allen for a fluent 49 off 30 deliveries, an innings laced with two fours and four sixes.

The Scorchers then slipped into trouble, losing four wickets for just 20 runs and sliding to 87 for five.

Skipper Ashton Turner anchored the innings with a measured 29 off 21 balls, while Jhye Richardson chipped in with a valuable 20 off 18 down the order, ensuring Perth crossed the 140-run mark.

For the Sixers, Starc led the attack with two wickets, while Jack Edwards and Ben Dwarshuis also claimed two apiece.

Joel Davies and Ben Manenti picked up one wicket each as Sydney kept the Scorchers in check during the latter stages.

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In response, the Sixers’ chase never gathered momentum as they were bowled out for just 99 in 15 overs.

The visitors’ troubles began immediately when opener Babar Azam was dismissed for a second-ball duck, stumped by Josh Inglis off Cooper Connolly in the very first over.

The collapse continued in the fourth over when Mahli Beardman struck twice, removing Josh Philippe for 13 and captain Moises Henriques for two, leaving the Sixers struggling at 23 for three.

A brief resistance came through a 40-run partnership between Steve Smith and Lachlan Shaw, but David Payne ended that stand by dismissing Shaw for 15.

Smith, who top-scored with 37 off 24 balls, soon followed, becoming Beardman’s third victim as the Sixers lost their last hopes.

With Smith gone, the batting folded rapidly, as Sydney lost their remaining four wickets for just 25 runs to be bundled out well short of the target.

Beardman was the standout performer with the ball for the Scorchers, finishing with impressive figures of three for 20. Connolly and Payne picked up two wickets each, while Hardie and Richardson contributed with one apiece.

Despite the heavy defeat, the Sixers remain in contention for the title. They will get another opportunity to reach the final when they face the winners of the Knockout clash between Hobart Hurricanes and Melbourne Stars, scheduled for Wednesday, in the Challenger on Friday.

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Starc, Smith take Sixers into BBL 15 finals

BRISBANE: Mitchell Starc’s four wicket haul backed by gutsy half-centuries from Steve Smith and Sam Curran propelled Sydney Sixers to a five-wicket win over Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 knockout fixture.

Sydney Sixers chased down 172 in 18.4 overs, losing five wickets in the process.

The BBL 15 finals — Playoffs will commence on 20 January with Sydney Sixers facing Perth Scorchers in the Qualifier.

Meanwhile, third-placed Hobart Hurricanes will square off against fourth-placed Melbourne Stars in the knockout.

After losing Babar Azam (1) and Josh Philippe (8) in the first three overs, Steve Smith held the innings together with a string of partnerships.

The right-hander, who top-scored with 54 from 40 balls, including five boundaries, steadied the innings, first stitching a 43-run partnership with skipper Moises Henriques.

The pair’s partnership brought the total to 74 in 8.4 overs before Henriques was caught after scoring 20.

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Smith followed the stand with another crucial partnership off 60 runs alongside Sam Curran that took the game away from the Brisbane Heat. Sam Curran hit two sixes and five fours in his 53* from 27 balls.

For Brisbane Heat, Xavier Bartlett picked up two wickets.

Earlier, after put into bat first, Brisbane Heat racked up 171-9 at the end of their allotted 20 overs.

Nathan McSweeney starred with the bat, scoring a vital 69 from 54 balls, which was laced with eight fours.

Michael Neser was the other notable contributor as he captilized on the power surge, hitting 35 off 14 balls with the help of two sixes and five fours.

For Sydney Sixers, Mitchell Starc was the star bowler as he picked up the first four-wicket haul of his short BBL career.

READ: WATCH: Babar Azam falls cheaply in must-win clash for Sixers

WATCH: Babar Azam falls cheaply in must-win clash for Sixers

BRISBANE: Sydney Sixers opener Babar Azam once again fell cheaply during his side’s must-win encounter against Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League (BBL) 15.

Set to chase 172, Babar Azam and Steve Smith opened the innings for Sixers with the latter fresh off a century, quickly finding his rhythm.

Smith crunched three fours off the opening over from Michael Neser, taking the total to 15 in the first over.

However, in the next over, pacer Xavier Bartlett made Babar’s stay short as the right-hander tried to chip a full on leg delivery, handing an easy catch to mid on. The right-hander was caught for one from seven deliveries.

However, in the next over, pacer Xavier Bartlett made Babar’s stay short as the right-hander tried to chip a fuller delivery, offering an easy catch to mid-on. He made one of seven deliveries.

Overall, Babar Azam scored 202 runs in 10 matches at an average of 25.25 with the help of two half-centuries. Notably, his strike rate remained modest at 104.12.

Sydney Sixers will need to win this match to qualify for the final four stage of the tournament and keep their title hopes alive.

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Earlier, after put into bat first, Brisbane Heat racked up 171-9 at the end of their allotted 20 overs.

Nathan McSweeney starred with the bat, scoring a vital 69 from 54 balls, which was laced with eight fours.

Michael Neser was the other notable contributor as he captilized on the power surge, hitting 35 off 14 balls with the help of two sixes and five fours.

For Sydney Sixers, Mitchell Starc was the star bowler as he picked up the first four-wicket haul of his short BBL career.

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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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