BBL 2025/26 | Qualifier: Perth Scorchers vs Sydney Sixers | Preview and Predictions

The Perth Scorchers will take on the Sydney Sixers in the Qualifier of the 2025/26 KFC Big Bash League season at Optus Stadium on January 20, 2026. 

Here, we present our preview and predictions for the BBL|15 Qualifier.  

BBL|15 | Qualifier: Scorchers vs Sixers | 14:00 IST, January 20, 2026

Although top four always looked like a formality for them, winning each of their last three league fixtures has helped the Scorchers leapfrog multiple teams to finish top of the league standings. Their reward is now having the safety net of a double lifeline en route to the finals, while also having home advantage on the first hurdle.

In the Scorchers’ batting department, openers Mitchell Marsh and Finn Allen are firing on all cylinders, with the latter coming off knocks of 69 off 39 and 101 off 53 in his last two outings. All-rounder Aaron Hardie has been as reliable as ever in the middle with 317 runs, while both Ashton Turner and Cooper Connolly have chipped in with useful runs.

Their bowling attack has done a commendable job as well, although extra wicket-taking choices would not go astray. Connolly has caught the eye in particular with 13 wickets in nine innings while going at 6.66 per over, while Hardie and Mahli Beardman have combined for 18 scalps, sharing the load across matches. Getting Jhye Richardson back for the last leg has been a huge boost, with the Australia international coming into this game straight off a decisive 4/16 against the Melbourne Stars.

As for their opponents, the Sydney Sixers have been one of the teams to watch in the back end of the league alongside the Scorchers. Five wins and a washed-out game in their last six fixtures have catapulted them from seventh to second. A win here will see them reach another final, while a defeat will give them a second chance.

In the Sixers’ batting department, Babar Azam and Josh Philippe remain inconsistent in terms of getting runs. Returning from his Ashes triumph, Steve Smith at the top of the order has been one of the main contributors to this Sixers turnaround. Furthermore, in their recent do-or-die game against the Brisbane Heat, it was English all-rounder Sam Curran who guided the team to a five-wicket victory with a match-winning unbeaten knock of 53 off 27. That said, the likes of Philippe and the rest of the middle order will be expected to contribute more in the play-offs, which hasn’t been the case recently. 

In their bowling department, though, things are looking a lot better. While Jack Edwards still leads the tally with 14 wickets, the rest of the Sixers’ bowling attack has stepped up in recent weeks. Mitchell Starc was the star of the show with the ball against the Heat, picking up 4/35 in his four overs. Joel Davis and Sean Abbott have done wonderfully in this period as well, forming one of the most potent bowling attacks in the tournament at present. 

In terms of weather forecast and pitch report, expect conditions to remain clear throughout the game. Historically, the average first-innings score at Optus Stadium is 165. In BBL|15, though, the five games played at this ground have produced totals of 113/5 (11 overs), 150/8, 153/8, 127, and 130, proving that the pitch doesn’t encourage run-fests. Thus, anything above 150 will make this a very interesting contest.  

Looking ahead to this fixture, both the Perth Scorchers and the Sydney Sixers enter this contest high on confidence and will fancy their chances of making the final.

The Sixers are missing Sam Curran, who is off to join the England squad in Sri Lanka. This does dent their prospects slightly, but strong performances from Ashes returnees Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc could swing things in their favour.

The Scorchers, on the other hand, look dangerous right now. Their batting line-up has found its rhythm, and playing at home should give them an added boost going into this clash. Thus, we’re backing the Scorchers as slight favourites to win this contest. 

Fantasy XI: Mitchell Marsh, Finn Allen, Steve Smith (vc), Aaron Hardie (c), Jack Edwards, Cooper Connolly, Sean Abbott, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, David Payne, Ben Dwarshuis

Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth 
Winners Prediction: Perth Scorchers