The 2025/26 Big Bash League season reached its fever pitch on January 25, 2026, as the Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers faced off in a high-stakes Grand Final at the Optus Stadium. In what has become the ultimate rivalry in Australian T20 cricket, the Scorchers entered the fray hunting for a record-extending sixth title, while the Sixers looked to avenge their Qualifier defeat.
After being sent in to bat, the Sixers struggled to find rhythm against a disciplined Perth attack led by David Payne (3/18) and Jhye Richardson (3/32). Despite a brisk 24 from Steve Smith, the Sixers collapsed from a promising position to a modest total of 132 all out in 20 overs. With a target of 133 on a deck showing variable bounce, the Scorchers appeared to be cruising toward victory, sitting comfortably at 80/0 before a moment of pure individual brilliance electrified the Perth crowd.
Jack Edwards takes a screamer to dismiss Finn Allen in BBL|15 Final
As the Scorchers’ openers, Finn Allen and Mitchell Marsh, began to dismantle the Sixers’ bowling unit, the match seemed to be slipping away rapidly. In the 9th over, Mitchell Starc steamed in to find a breakthrough, but it was Jack Edwards who stole the headlines.
Starc delivered a full ball wide outside off-stump, which Allen—who was looking dangerous on 36 off 22 balls—smashed with immense power through the covers. The ball seemed destined for the rope until Jack Edwards, stationed at a wide mid-off/extra cover, launched himself horizontally to his right. Plucking the ball out of thin air with a solitary hand, Edwards completed what commentators immediately dubbed a “specky.” While the grab was a masterclass in athleticism, the context of the match made it a bittersweet highlight. The “Orange Army” had already seen their team race to 80 runs, and although Allen departed, the damage was largely done.
Here’s the video:
Jack Edwards!
That might just be the catch of the summer 🤯 #BBL15 pic.twitter.com/2TmkIbot9l
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 25, 2026
Perth Scorchers close in on sixth BBL championship
Despite the brilliance of Edwards and a subsequent wicket from Sean Abbott to remove Aaron Hardie, the Perth Scorchers remained the masters of the chase. The scorecard painted a picture of total dominance; at 85/2 after 9.2 overs, the Scorchers required just 48 runs from 64 balls, a task well within the reach of a middle order featuring Josh Inglis and the set Marsh.
The match flow favored the home side from the start. A brief rain delay at 47/0 did nothing to dampen the Scorchers’ spirits. Marsh, surviving an early DRS scare, looked immovable at the crease with 36* from 28 deliveries. With a win probability of 97.88% at the drinks break, the “Furnace” was already preparing for a trophy presentation.
The Sixers’ 132-run total simply lacked the defensive weight required against such a powerhouse lineup. While the highlights reel will forever belong to Edwards’ gravity-defying catch, the BBL|15 title is firmly within the grasp of the most successful franchise in the league’s history.
Also WATCH: Beau Webster launches a colossal 105 meter six as Brisbane Heat sneak past Hobart Hurricanes in BBL|15
For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.
