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BBL final: Marsh steers Scorchers to sixth title with win over Sixers

Perth Scorchers chase down 133-run target, with six wickets in hand and 15 balls to spare

By Reuters & Web Desk
January 25, 2026
Perth Scorchers Josh Inglis and Cooper Connolly embrace after winning the BBL 15 final against Sydney Sixers in Perth, January 25, 2026. — Instagram/bbl
Perth Scorchers' Josh Inglis and Cooper Connolly embrace after winning the BBL 15 final against Sydney Sixers in Perth, January 25, 2026. — Instagram/bbl

Mitchell Marsh scored 44 as Perth Scorchers beat Sydney Sixers by six wickets in a low-scoring Big Bash League (BBL) 15 final at the Optus Stadium in Perth to seal their sixth title.

The Scorchers chased down the 133-run target in 17.3 overs for the loss of four wickets.

Earning hosting rights after crushing the Sixers in a qualifier last week, the Scorchers bowled first and bowled their six-time Grand Final rivals out for a paltry 132 in 20 overs as pacemen David Payne and Jhye Richardson combined for six wickets.

With 15 balls remaining in their reply, the hosts reached 133-4 anchored by a 43-ball 44 from Marsh.

"It feels like a weight has been lifted off our shoulders, we have high expectations, and to be able to deliver on those expectations is really satisfying," said Scorchers captain Ashton Turner.

The table-topping Scorchers started their chase in audacious fashion when Marsh, Australia's T20 captain, pulled the first ball for six.

His opening partner Finn Allen, the season's top run-scorer with 466, got the better of quick Mitchell Starc in a 19-run fourth over, bringing the crowd to their feet with a scooped six into the second tier.

With rain threatening, the Scorchers powered ahead at nearly 10 an over until a spectacular one-handed catch by Jack Edwards off Starc dismissed Allen for 36.

Seamer Sean Abbott accounted for Aaron Hardie (five) and Marsh, but Josh Inglis (29 not out) saw the Scorchers over the line with a majestic six over long-off.

Earlier, the Perth crowd of 55,018 roared in delight when Sixers' drawcard Steve Smith, who averaged 60 in the tournament at a strike rate of 168 yet finds himself out of T20 World Cup reckoning, dejectedly departed for 24 when all-rounder Hardie reviewed for lbw.

Fortunate to survive three missed run outs in the space of five balls, skipper Moises Henriques was caught for 24 off the medium pace of Payne, who ended with 3-18.

Fast bowler Mahli Beardman, on the cusp of international selection, closed out the innings with two wickets and a run out in the final over.

The Australia squad will fly to Pakistan for three 20-over matches in preparation for their first T20 World Cup fixture against Ireland in Colombo on February 11.