BBL 2025-26: Perth Scorchers Win Record Sixth Title at Packed Optus Stadium

The Perth Scorchers won the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 final on 25 January 2026, defeating the Sydney Sixers by 6 wickets at Optus Stadium in Perth. The win gave the Scorchers their record sixth BBL title — two more than any other franchise — and was watched by a record BBL final crowd of 55,018. It was the first time in four seasons that the Sixers had reached a final, but the Scorchers were dominant, bundling Sydney out for 132 before winning in the 18th over.

The Final: Scorchers Bowl Sixers Out for 132

Batting first at Optus Stadium, the Sydney Sixers could only manage 132 all out as the Scorchers' attack dismantled their innings. Matt Payne claimed 3/18 and Jhye Richardson took 3/32 as the Sixers' lineup failed to build partnerships on a Perth pitch suited to pace and bounce. In the chase, Mitch Marsh (44) and Finn Allen (36) gave the Scorchers a brisk platform, and the home side reached 133/4 with 15 balls to spare — a comfortable margin that reflected the gulf between the teams on the night.

Finn Allen and Perth's Tournament Campaign

New Zealand opener Finn Allen was the Scorchers' batting linchpin in BBL 2025-26, finishing as the tournament's top run scorer with 466 runs. His aggressive, high-strike-rate opening style — honed across IPL and other global franchise leagues — was ideally suited to the Scorchers' attacking T20 blueprint. Allen's partnership with Mitch Marsh at the top of the order gave the Scorchers consistent starts across the season. Haris Rauf (Melbourne Stars) led all BBL wicket-takers with 20 dismissals despite the Stars not reaching the final.

Perth Scorchers: The Most Successful BBL Franchise

The Perth Scorchers have now won the BBL in 2014, 2015, 2017, 2022, 2023, and 2026 — a record six titles in the competition's history. Their nearest rivals are the Sydney Sixers with four titles (2012, 2013, 2021, 2024). The Scorchers' success formula has combined strong West Australian local talent with high-quality international overseas players; their scouting of emerging players before they become globally sought-after has been a competitive advantage. Jhye Richardson, who took 3/32 in the 2026 final, has been central to Perth's attack across multiple title campaigns.

BBL Format Overview

The Big Bash League (BBL) is Cricket Australia's franchise T20 competition, running from December to February each Australian summer. Eight franchises represent six cities — Adelaide Strikers, Brisbane Heat, Hobart Hurricanes, Melbourne Renegades, Melbourne Stars, Perth Scorchers, Sydney Sixers, and Sydney Thunder. The league stage is followed by a Challenger and Eliminator format leading to the Final. The BBL was launched in 2011 and has grown to be one of the highest-attended domestic cricket competitions in the world, drawing large family-friendly crowds during the southern hemisphere summer.