Fans go gaga as Cooper Connolly’s explosive innings fires Perth Scorchers to thrilling win over Sydney Sixers in BBL 15

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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.​

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).​

Perth Scorchers lost Mitchell Marsh for a golden duck to Charlie Stobo, but Finn 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 Dwarshuis, who later nabbed Laurie Evans, yet 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.

Also READ: BBL 2025-26: Broadcast, Live Streaming details – When and where to watch the Big Bash League in Australia, India, USA, UK & other countries

NEXT BIG THING FROM AUSTRALIA IN WHITE BALL CRICKET IS HERE – Cooper Connolly. 🤞

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 14, 2025

🚨 LSG & GT are interested in acquiring Cooper Connolly. [ESPN]@ChennaiIPL pls think about the future. We bottled Bethell, so pls don't bottle Connolly. 🙏💛

— Pratyush Halder (@pratyush_no7) December 14, 2025

Cooper Connolly smashed half century in just 24 balls.Set 21. Base price 2 Cr.

— RCBIANS OFFICIAL (@RcbianOfficial) December 14, 2025

Cooper Connolly 🔥💛 https://t.co/GbCvmGh63V

— X007 (@voiceofmine007) December 14, 2025

Cooper Connolly in the Bbl today 👀

Cooper Connolly to Csk , Who Says No ?

— CRICitism (@CRICitism) December 14, 2025

Cooper Connolly smashed 59 runs in just 31 balls for Perth in the first game of the BBL.

He has also registered for the IPL auction with a 2 CR base price. He is just 22 years old. He also played well against India and South Africa in the ODI series 🔥

— Tejash (@Tejashyyyyy) December 14, 2025

Cooper Connolly just before the IPL Auction 📈 https://t.co/QNJZNgW8Mg

— The Brevis (@Ben10Brevis) December 14, 2025

Both Jack Edwards (Base Price : 50 Lacs) and Cooper Connolly (Base Price 2 Crores) Performed Couple of Days Before IPL 2026 Auction 🔥

— Junaid Khan (@JunaidKhanation) December 14, 2025

Cooper Connolly, this is how to announce oneself. It took just 1 year btw, compare to some others.

— Cong Du (@CongduNguyen2) December 14, 2025

😂 Cooper Connolly hit the first FIFTY of BBL 15 of just 24 balls 💥

👉 He peaked at right time just before the IPL Auction 🔥#IPLAuction#IPL2026#BBL2025 #PerthScorchers

— अभि 🇮🇳 (@abhi7781_) December 14, 2025

Cooper Connolly smashed 59 (31) in BBL today including 3 fours and 5 sixes at number 3 position 👀

Registered at a base price of 2 Cr.

— Ismail (@wyd_ismail) December 14, 2025

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