Perth, Australia – Young all-rounder Cooper Connolly starred with an unbeaten 59 off 31 balls, including five sixes and three fours, as Perth Scorchers chased down Sydney Sixers' 149 to secure a five-wicket victory in the Big Bash League 2025-26 season opener at Optus Stadium on Sunday.
The 22-year-old, sharing last season's BBL player-of-the-season award with Glenn Maxwell, anchored the reply in just 10.1 overs after the Sixers, led by Babar Azam's debut, folded under Scorchers' bowling. Pakistan captain Babar Azam managed only a modest score, failing to ignite as predicted amid pre-match lightning delays. Connolly's composure kept the required rate in check, earning him Player of the Match honors.
Scorchers captain Ashton Turner hailed the "powerful batting line-up" featuring Mitchell Marsh and Finn Allen, while Sixers' Josh Philippe and Brody Couch impressed in a rain-affected toss. The win marks a strong start for the defending champions, with the BBL schedule intensifying ahead of the January 25 final.
