Perth Scorchers (PS) will face Sydney Sixers (SS) in Match 1 of BBL 2025-26 at the Perth Stadium on Sunday, December 14. This opening match brings back memories of the first-ever BBL final in 2011-12, where these two teams faced each other.

The Perth Scorchers had a below-par season last year, finishing fifth on the points table with only four wins from ten matches. As captain Ashton Turner leads the side again, the Scorchers will be eager to make a strong start at home and set the tone for a better season.

The Sydney Sixers enjoyed a solid campaign last season, ending second in the league stage. However, they failed to deliver in the knockout stages and were booted out early. Despite having experienced players in their roster, the Sixers are looking to begin a fresh campaign with a victory in the first game.

PS vs SS: Head-to-Head Record (T20s)

• Total Matches Played: 29
  
• Perth Scorchers Won: 16
  
• Sydney Sixers Won: 12
  
• Tied / No Result: 1

PS vs SS: Pitch Report

The pitch is a good one for an even game between bat and ball. Pacers get a lot of bounce initially, while spinners get a little support. The game becomes easier once batters are in, which is why teams prefer to chase on this wicket. Getting 190 to 200 can be a competitive score here.

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PS vs SS: Predicted Playing XIs

Perth Scorchers (PS):

Ashton Turner (c), Mitchell Marsh, Finn Allen (wk), Laurie Evans, Cooper Connolly, Ashton Agar, Joel Paris, Jhye Richardson, Nick Hobson, Lance Morris, Mahli Beardman

Sydney Sixers (SS):

Babar Azam, Daniel Hughes, Moises Henriques (c), Josh Philippe (wk), Jordan Silk, Jack Edwards, Sean Abbott, Kane Richardson, Jafer Chouhan, Hayden Kerr, Todd Murphy

Former Australian cricketer David Warner has advised young batter Sam Konstas to remain grounded amid the sudden attention he has received due to his recent run-scoring form. Warner and Konstas are set to play together for Sydney Thunder in the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL), which is scheduled to begin on December 14.

Warner also spoke about the team’s combination and hinted at the possibility of batting in the middle order to accommodate a left-handed option lower down the line-up. He explained that this discussion is more from a tactical point of view and depends on match-ups within the squad.

Speaking further about Konstas, Warner expressed confidence that the experienced players in the Thunder camp will help the youngster handle the pressure that comes with sudden fame and expectations.

Warner Stresses Support and Natural Game for Konstas

“That's more for a match-up and strategic point of view. We don't have that left-hander in the middle [order] that we've been looking for. It's a conversation we're having. The best form of currency is runs and he's [Sam Konstas] doing that at the moment. When you do get thrown in the limelight, it can be a deer in the headlights. You can get overwhelmed and sucked into the hype around everything. But he has great support around him that will keep him level-headed,” stated Warner, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

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The former Australia opener also highlighted the importance of allowing Konstas to play his natural game without adding unnecessary pressure. He said that while young players often receive a lot of advice early in their careers, it is important for them to stay true to their own style. “You just have to allow him to keep playing his natural game. He had his taste of Test cricket last year, he probably got a lot of advice, as you do as a youngster. But as a youngster, you have to try to take on board what you think is required for you. You have to stick true to what you believe in and how you go about your game. He might have changed things. For us, it's about protecting him and making sure he's enjoying the game,” he added.

As for Warner’s own role, he has rarely batted in the middle order in T20 cricket, having opened in 382 of the 423 T20 innings he has played. The 2025–26 season will be Warner’s fourth campaign with Sydney Thunder in the BBL. He enjoyed his best season with the franchise last year, scoring 405 runs in 12 matches at an impressive strike rate of 141.6.