Perth Scorchers crush Sydney Sixers to lift sixth Big Bash League title

Perth Scorchers lift the Big Bash League trophy
Perth Scorchers lift the Big Bash League trophyPaul Kane / GETTY IMAGES ASIAPAC / Getty Images via AFP

Perth Scorchers raced to their sixth Big Bash League title on Sunday with an emphatic six-wicket victory over Sydney Sixers in the final at Perth Stadium.

Earning hosting rights after crushing ​the Sixers in a qualifier last week, the Scorchers bowled first and bowled their six-time Grand Final rivals out for a paltry 132 ‌in 20 overs as pacemen David Payne and Jhye Richardson combined ‌for six wickets.

With 15 balls remaining in their reply, the hosts reached 133-4 anchored by a 43-ball 44 from Mitch Marsh.

"It feels like a weight has been lifted off our shoulders, we have high ⁠expectations, and to be able to deliver on those expectations is really ‌satisfying," said Scorchers captain Ashton Turner.

The table-topping Scorchers started their chase in ​audacious fashion when Marsh, Australia's T20 captain, pulled the first ball for six.

His opening partner Finn Allen, the season's top run-scorer with 466, got the better of quick Mitchell Starc in a 19-run fourth over, bringing the crowd to their feet with a ‌scooped six into the second tier.

With rain threatening, the Scorchers powered ahead at nearly 10 an over until a spectacular one-handed catch by Jack Edwards off Starc dismissed Allen for 36.

Seamer Sean Abbott ⁠accounted for Aaron Hardie (five) and Marsh, but Josh Inglis (29 not out) saw the Scorchers over the line with a majestic six over long-off.

Earlier, the Perth crowd of 55,018 roared in delight when Sixers' drawcard Steve Smith, who averaged 60 in the tournament at a strike rate of 168, yet finds himself out of T20 World Cup reckoning, dejectedly departed for 24 when all-rounder Hardie reviewed for lbw.

Fortunate to survive three missed run outs in the space of five balls, skipper Moises Henriques was ⁠caught for 24 off the medium pace of Payne, who ‌ended with 3-18.

Fast bowler Mahli Beardman, on the cusp of international selection, closed out the innings with two wickets and a run out in the final over.

The Australia squad will fly to Pakistan for three 20-over matches in preparation ⁠for their first T20 World Cup fixture against Ireland ​in Colombo on February 11th.