Australia’s premier T20 competition returns with a blockbuster clash as the Perth Scorchers host the Sydney Sixers in the opening match of KFC Big Bash League Season 15 (BBL|15). The highly anticipated fixture takes place at Optus Stadium on Sunday, December 14, 2025, with the first ball scheduled for 4:15 PM local time (9:15 AM GMT).
A Rivalry for the Ages
This season opener pits the BBL’s two most decorated franchises against each other in what promises to be a spectacular curtain-raiser. The Scorchers and Sixers have contested five BBL finals, making this rivalry one of the most storied in the competition’s history. The Sixers claimed victory in the inaugural 2011-12 final, while the Scorchers have dominated since, lifting four championship trophies to establish themselves as the most successful team in BBL history.
Last season, the Scorchers broke the attendance record for a BBL opener when 30,469 fans packed Optus Stadium for their triumph over Melbourne Stars. League officials are hoping to set new viewership and attendance benchmarks as the Orange Army prepares to welcome their bitter rivals to “The Furnace.”
Perth Scorchers Squad and Key Players
The four-time champions enter BBL|15 with a powerhouse lineup under captain Ashton Turner and head coach Adam Voges. The Scorchers have assembled a perfect blend of proven performers and emerging talent, with the full availability of Australia’s T20 captain Mitchell Marsh providing a significant boost after he recommitted to the franchise for another three years.
Marsh, the club’s second most prolific BBL run scorer behind Turner, will open the batting alongside explosive New Zealand import Finn Allen. The dynamic all-rounder Aaron Hardie, who offers powerful batting and useful medium pace, slots in at first drop, followed by BBL|14 Player of the Year Cooper Connolly.
The pace attack looks formidable with Jhye Richardson, Lance Morris, and Matthew Kelly leading the charge, while spinner Ashton Agar provides control in the middle overs. English left-arm swing bowler David Payne returns to Perth after previously featuring in BBL|12, adding international experience to the bowling unit. Teenage pace sensation Mahli Beardman offers an exciting glimpse into the franchise’s bright future.
Perth Scorchers Full Squad: Ashton Turner (c), Mitchell Marsh, Aaron Hardie, Ashton Agar, Finn Allen (NZ), Cooper Connolly, Josh Inglis, Nick Hobson, Sam Fanning, Jhye Richardson, Lance Morris, Matt Kelly, Mahli Beardman, Bryce Jackson, Joel Paris, David Payne (Eng), Laurie Evans (Eng)
Sydney Sixers Squad and Key Players
The three-time BBL champions arrive in Perth with their own star-studded roster, led by inspirational captain Moises Henriques. The veteran all-rounder has guided the Sixers to two BBL championships and remains the heart and soul of the magenta army. In 205 T20 matches, Henriques has scored 3,775 runs with a strike rate of 127 while also claiming 108 wickets.
The headline signing for Sydney this season is Pakistan superstar Babar Azam, who was pre-signed before the draft and is set to play alongside Australian Test legend Steve Smith. Babar, currently out of Pakistan’s T20I side, will look to make his mark in the BBL and provides the Sixers with world-class top-order batting.
England all-rounder Sam Curran adds significant firepower to both batting and bowling departments with his left-arm swing and aggressive lower-order hitting. The bowling attack features the experienced Sean Abbott, off-spinner Todd Murphy, and pace bowler Ben Dwarshuis. Wicketkeeper Josh Philippe has been a consistent performer, standing tall as one of the Sixers’ most reliable run scorers over recent seasons.
Sydney Sixers Full Squad: Moises Henriques (c), Babar Azam (Pak), Steve Smith, Josh Philippe, Jordan Silk, Sam Curran (Eng), Jack Edwards, Ben Dwarshuis, Sean Abbott, Todd Murphy, Hayden Kerr, Joel Davies, Mitch Perry, Kane Richardson, Lachlan Shaw, Jafer Chohan (Eng)
Venue and Conditions
Optus Stadium has become a fortress for the Scorchers, known for its bounce-friendly pitch and spectacular light shows during night games. The Perth surface typically offers assistance for pace bowlers, particularly in the powerplay, before becoming more batting-friendly as the game progresses. The venue’s electric atmosphere, with capacity crowds creating an intimidating environment for visiting teams, gives Perth a significant home advantage.
Head-to-Head Record
The rivalry between these two franchises stretches back to the competition’s inception. The Sydney Sixers hold a four-game winning streak over Perth Scorchers at the SCG, but the Scorchers have historically performed well on home soil. With five BBL finals contested between them, this fixture always delivers high-quality cricket and dramatic moments.
Match Predictions
Winner Prediction: Perth Scorchers start as favorites given their formidable home record at Optus Stadium and the availability of Mitchell Marsh and Aaron Hardie. However, the Sixers possess the star power in Babar Azam and Sam Curran to upset the hosts. Expect a closely fought contest with the home advantage likely to prove decisive.
Key Battle: The contest between Mitchell Marsh’s explosive hitting and Sean Abbott’s death bowling could determine the match’s outcome. Additionally, the duel between Babar Azam and Jhye Richardson in the powerplay promises to be thrilling.
Players to Watch: Mitchell Marsh (PS), Aaron Hardie (PS), Cooper Connolly (PS), Babar Azam (SS), Sam Curran (SS), Moises Henriques (SS)
BBL|15 promises to be the biggest bash yet, with league officials declaring this the season they’ve been waiting for. With a clear window for fixtures aligned with the Ashes series and international star availability at its peak, cricket fans across Australia are in for a spectacular summer of T20 action.
Match Details:
- Match: Perth Scorchers vs Sydney Sixers (Match 1)
- Tournament: KFC Big Bash League 2025-26 (BBL|15)
- Date: Sunday, December 14, 2025
- Time: 4:15 PM AWST / 9:15 AM GMT / 7:15 PM AEDT
- Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth
- Broadcast: Seven Network, 7plus, Foxtel, Kayo Sports
