Perth Scorchers kicked off Big Bash League (BBL|15) with a thrilling five-wicket victory over Sydney Sixers in the rain-affected opener at Optus Stadium, Perth on December 14, 2025. The match shrank to 11 overs per side after early downpours, setting the stage for high-octane T20 drama. Fans erupted as young gun Cooper Connolly‘s blistering 59 off 31 balls sealed the chase, earning him Player of the Match honours in a run-fest that showcased BBL fireworks.​

Sydney Sixers’ struggle culminate into a competitive total

Heavy rain delayed the start, reducing the game to 11 overs and setting a high run-rate challenge. Sydney Sixers openers Daniel Hughes fell for a duck to Aaron Hardie in the first over, followed by Babar Azam edging Brody Couch for 2, leaving them at 15/2 after the powerplay.​

Josh Philippe fought back with 28 off 18, including a six, but a run-out ended Moises Henriques’ brisk 9, and Philippe holed out soon after. Lachlan Shaw‘s explosive 19 off 10 fueled a 50-run stand by the seventh over, but Joel Paris dismissed him, triggering a collapse. Jack Edwards then unleashed 46 off 21 with six fours and two sixes, pushing Sixers to 113/5 alongside Ben Dwarshuis‘ quick 6; they crossed 100 in the final overs despite tight bowling from Couch (2/12) and Paris (1/29).​

Cooper Connolly’s fireworks take Perth Scorchers to a win in BBL|15 opener

Perth Scorchers lost Mitchell Marsh for a golden duck to Charlie Stobobut Find Allen‘s 16 off 8 set the tone before Todd Murphy struck. Enter Connolly, who anchored the chase with a masterful 59 (3 fours, 5 sixes), reaching 50 off 24 balls and racing to 39/2 by the fourth over.​

Hardie added 13 before Jack Edwards removed him, but Connolly-Ashton Turner partnership propelled Scorchers past 100 in the ninth over. Connolly departed at 105/4 to Ben Dwarshuiswho later nabbed Laurie Evansyet Turner (16*) and Nick Hobson steered home with five balls left at 117/5. Fans erupted as Connolly earned Player of the Match, his strike rate of 190.32 proving decisive in the power surge phase. Scorchers’ bowlers and Connolly’s heroics underline their BBL pedigree.

Here’s how fans reacted: