Mahli Beardman (3 for 20) and a 30-ball 49 from Finn Allen helped Perth Scorchers defeat Sydney Sixers by 48 runs to secure a place in the Big Bash League final.
After being put into bat first, Perth Scorchers posted 147. In reply, the Sixers were dismissed for 99, suffering a sharp collapse after a steady start. They stood at 63 for three before losing seven wickets for 36 runs.
Babar Azam endured another poor outing. The former Pakistan captain fell for a second-ball duck, stumped by Josh Inglis off Cooper Connolly.
Beardman proved decisive. He claimed two wickets in the powerplay and later removed Steven Smith for 37 with a sharp bouncer, shifting the momentum firmly in Perth’s favour.
The Scorchers will host the BBL final on Sunday. The Sixers return to Sydney to host the Challenger on Friday against the winner of the Hurricanes–Stars match. If they progress, they will face a third cross-country trip in a week for the final.
