Scorchers vs Sixers Qualifier – Perth, Jan 20 2026

That Big Bash League game on January 20, 2026? What a nail-biter! The Perth Scorchers hosted the Sydney Sixers at Perth Stadium, and you could feel the tension. A spot in the final was up for grabs, so the stakes were sky-high. The Scorchers absolutely killed it, defending a pretty average score with some seriously good bowling to win by 48 runs and lock in a home grand final.

That game just proved again why Perth Stadium is basically the Scorchers’ house, and why Big Bash League playoff games come down to keeping your cool, playing smart, and having a few players step up big time.

Finn Allen’s Batting Gave the Scorchers Enough to Fight With

Finn Allen came out swinging for the Scorchers. The pitch had some zip, but Allen wasn’t intimidated at all. He took on the Sixers’ bowlers, smacking 49 off 30 balls with some clean hitting to keep the Scorchers in the game after they lost a couple of quick wickets.

Mitchell Marsh getting out early could’ve been a disaster, but Allen’s confidence settled things down. Aaron Hardie and Ashton Turner chipped in with some handy runs in the middle, and Jhye Richardson added some late runs to get the Scorchers to 147 for 9. It wasn’t a huge score, but it was enough given the conditions.

That innings showed what often happens in the BBL: around 150 can be enough to win at Perth if you’ve got some good fast bowlers and sharp fielders.

Sydney Sixers’ Bowling Was On Point, But They Needed a K.O.

The Sydney Sixers’ bowlers stuck to their plans and bowled pretty well. Mitchell Starc got some early wickets, and Ben Dwarshuis mixed things up nicely with Jack Edwards keeping things tight, stopping Perth from running away with it. The Scorchers’ middle overs were a real battle, with wickets falling regularly.

Still, they couldn’t completely shut down Finn Allen, and that little burst he had was the decider. A few loose overs can totally swing a playoff game.

Early Drama as Babar Azam Gets a Duck

The Sixers’ chase got off to a terrible start when Babar Azam was out for a duck on the second ball of the innings. Josh Inglis with a sharp stumping. Ouch! That sent a shockwave through the Sixers’ team and gave Perth all the momentum.

In playoff cricket, early wickets put you under pressure, and that wicket made the chase really tough. Everyone was talking about Babar’s early exit because he’s normally so good in big games.

Steven Smith Fights a Lonely Battle

Steven Smith looked good again, hitting 37 off 24 balls, trying to take on the Scorchers’ quick bowlers. He was finding the boundary and giving the Sixers some hope.

 Wickets kept falling, so he had to do it all himself. When Mahli Beardman got him out, that was pretty much game over for the Sixers.

Mahli Beardman Steals the Show with a Blinder

People will remember this game as the night Mahli Beardman arrived. The young bowler was seriously quick, finishing with 3 for 20. He was fast, accurate, and looked really confident on a pitch made for his style of bowling.

Getting Steven Smith out wasn’t just a great bit of bowling; it was a huge psychological blow to the Sixers. In a tournament packed with big names, his was the standout performance.

Perth Scorchers’ Bowling Unit Did Everything Right

It wasn’t just Beardman. The whole Scorchers’ bowling attack worked well together. David Payne kept things tight, Cooper Connolly got some important wickets, and Jhye Richardson used his experience to put the squeeze on the Sixers’ batting.

The Sydney Sixers were bowled out for just 99 in 15 overs, because of the pressure applied non stop. The Scorchers’ fielding was awesome, too, turning tough chances into wickets.

A Few Controversies and Talking Points

The game was pretty clean, but a couple of things got people talking. Aaron Hardie’s dismissal after a review was a bit of a talking point, with the replays looking pretty close. The decision stood, which added to the tension.

Some Sixers fans wondered if the pitch was too favorable to the home team. But Perth Stadium is known for its pace, and both teams had to play on it.

Achievements on the Night

Finn Allen got Player of the Match for his batting, and Mahli Beardman’s bowling was a big moment for him. The Scorchers getting yet another home final just shows how consistent they’ve been in the Big Bash League.

Even though the Sixers lost, Steven Smith’s form was a positive for them as they got ready for another shot in the finals.

What This Means for the Season

The Scorchers are straight through to the BBL final, something they’re pretty used to. The Sixers now have to win their next game to stay in the competition, which makes things even more exciting.

This game had everything that makes Big Bash League cricket great: big rivalries, new stars, smart tactics, and those tiny little things that decide who wins and who loses.

Perth’s Fortress Reputation Reinforced

That Scorchers vs Sixers game at Perth on January 20, 2026, will be remembered as a statement. Perth Scorchers just showed why they’re so good under pressure. Everything came together for them – the conditions, the preparation, and the way they played.

With a home final secured and their confidence sky-high, the Scorchers have sent a message to the other teams. For Sydney Sixers, it’s a reminder that you can’t afford to have an off day in playoff cricket.

As the Big Bash League heads towards the end, that game will be seen as a key moment in the 2025–26 season.