Cooper Connolly lit up Optus Stadium with a commanding knock as Perth Scorchers defeated Sydney Sixers by five wickets in a rain-shortened Big Bash League (BBL) season opener in Perth.
After an 80-minute delay caused by heavy rain and lightning, the match was reduced to 11 overs per side, with the Sixers posting 113 for 5. The spotlight was firmly on Babar Azam’s BBL debut, but the Pakistan star struggled on the bouncy surface, managing just 2 off 5 balls before falling to Brody Couch in the third over.
Sixers were reeling early at 15 for 2, but a late onslaught led by Jack Edwards’ unbeaten 46 off 21 balls and support from Josh Philippe (28) revived their innings. Despite losing wickets regularly, the visitors’ strong finish ensured they crossed the 100-run mark on a surface that had eased considerably after the rain.
Perth’s chase briefly faltered when Mitchell Marsh fell for a third-ball duck and Finn Allen departed for 16, but Connolly seized control in emphatic fashion. Batting at No.3, the 21-year-old smashed 59 off 31 balls, striking five towering sixes and dominating a decisive 48-run stand with captain Ashton Turner.
Connolly’s innings, coming just days before the IPL auction, showcased his explosive potential as the Scorchers cruised home with five balls to spare. Despite the weather disruptions and a high-profile early failure, the opening night ultimately belonged to Perth’s newest match-winner.
