The BBL|15 final is a clash of the titans as the Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers meet for the sixth time in a Big Bash decider. With Perth hunting an unprecedented sixth title and the Sixers chasing their fourth, the stakes at “The Furnace” couldn’t be higher.
A clash of the titans await in Perth
The Scorchers enter as heavy favorites, not just because of their home-ground advantage but because of their clinical 48-run demolition of the Sixers in the Qualifier just days ago. Perth Stadium has been a fortress; the Scorchers have won six out of six finals played at this venue (including Optus Stadium’s history).
The pitch in Perth has been notoriously difficult for batters this season, with an average first-innings score of just 141. For the Sixers to stand a chance, they must find a way to navigate the extreme pace and bounce that young guns like Mahli Beardman have used to dismantle visiting lineups.
Team form and key players
Perth Scorchers: They are on a four-game winning streak. Their bowling unit is the most disciplined in the league, while their batting depth allows them to recover even if their explosive openers fall early.
Sydney Sixers: Despite losing the Qualifier, they bounced back with a dominant 57-run win over the Hurricanes. They are “big moment” specialists but have struggled at Perth Stadium, scoring only 99 and 113 in their last two visits.
Key players to watch
Perth Scorchers
- Finn Allen: The “Finnisher” is in white-hot form with 430 runs this season. His ability to dominate the Powerplay (strike rate ~190) often takes the game away from the opposition before the halfway mark.
- Mahli Beardman: The 20-year-old speedster has been the breakout star. After taking 3-20 against the Sixers in the Qualifier, including the prized scalp of Steve Smith, he is Perth’s “X-factor” on this bouncy deck.
- Cooper Connolly: He has a “golden arm” in the powerplay and the composure to finish tight chases with the bat.
Sydney Sixers
- Steve Smith: The Sixers’ hopes rest almost entirely on his shoulders. He is averaging 68.75 from his five games this season. If he bats through the innings, the Sixers can post a winning total.
- Mitchell Starc: The veteran left-armer is perfectly suited for the Perth conditions. His early swing and late-inning yorkers will be vital in keeping Finn Allen and Mitch Marsh in check.
- Joel Davies: The league MVP has been a revelation. His lower-order cameos and improving spin bowling make him a critical component of the Sixers’ middle-over strategy.
Broadcast and Live Streaming details for BBL|15 Final
- Australia: Fox Cricket; Kayo Sports, Channel 7
- India: Star Sports, JioHotstar app and website
- UK and Ireland: Sky Sports
- USA and Canada: Sling TV – Willow TV (sign up here)
- New Zealand: Sky Sport NZ
- South Africa: SuperSport
- Caribbean Islands: Sports Max
- Middle East: Cricbuzz
- Pakistan: Tapmad, PTV Sports and TEN Sports
Also WATCH: Riley Meredith floors Mackenzie Harvey with an unplayable delivery in BBL|15
