Photo: Collected

PERTH, Australia, Jan 25, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Josh Inglis blasted a six to seal 
a crushing six-wicket victory for the Perth Scorchers and their record sixth 
Big Bash League T20 title over the Sydney Sixers in Perth on Sunday.

Inglis hit the winning runs over the long-off ropes in his unbeaten 29 as the 
Perth franchise comfortably ran down the Sixers' total of 132 to win with 15 
balls to spare before a record 55,018 home crowd at Optus Stadium.

Opener Mitch Marsh topscored for the Scorchers with 44 off 43 balls, while 
team-mate David Payne was named player of the match for his three for 18 off 
four overs that put the Sixers on the skids.

"I'm elated for the Perth fans. It was nervy but when you take a couple of 
wickets it calms the nerves. You always want to contribute and it was nice 
that I was able to do that tonight," Payne said.

It was a final between the two most successful clubs in BBL history, with the 
Sixers chasing their fourth title.

"A sixth title for this club, it's special. We are incredibly fortunate to 
have a group of players who've pretty much grown up together. That cohesion 
and connection is something we really pride ourselves on," Marsh said.

New Zealander Finn Allen capped off a brilliant season by overtaking David 
Warner's 433 runs to finish as the tournament's leading run-scorer with 466 
after his swashbuckling 36 off 22 balls.

The Sixers were making their return transcontinental trip to Perth in the 
space of six days, having stumbled in the qualifier.

They were always struggling to match the Scorchers in the final after losing 
the toss and being sent in to bat.

Steve Smith, Josh Philippe and Moises Henriques were all dismissed for 24, 
and the Sydney Sixers were bundled out for a below-par score on the final 
ball of their 20 overs.

Jhye Richardson supported Payne with three wickets for 32 as the Scorchers 
kept a tight rein on the Sixers' scoring.

Smith was the crucial wicket, given out lbw to Aaron Hardie on review after 
looking in good touch with three fours off 13 balls.

Australia's Test batting star Smith had been in red-hot scoring form in the 
BBL since the Ashes tour, scoring 299 runs with a century and two half-
centuries at an average of 59.80.