Perth Scorchers came out strong in the Big Bash League, beating the Adelaide Strikers at Adelaide Oval on January 11, 2026. Mitchell Marsh’s powerful innings was a big reason for the Scorchers’ win. This result helps Perth solidify their top four play-off position in BBL 2025-26.
The 32nd match of the tournament, a day-night T20, saw the Strikers win the toss and choose to bowl first. It backfired, allowing the Scorchers to put up a massive total. That was important. It helps them build momentum again, after a small setback.
Marsh and Scorchers Unleash Batting Blitz
Mitchell Marsh and Finn Allen started fast for the Scorchers. They put 52 runs on the board in just 3.2 overs, it was a rapid start. The powerplay finished with an impressive 69/0. Marsh made his T20 fifty in just 29 balls, hitting three fours and four sixes. He was definitely leading the charge, just like commentary kept saying during the game.
The Scorchers kept that pressure on. They hit 100/0 by the 10th over. Josh Inglis came back from international duty, and he along with Aaron Hardie added some quick runs. Captain Ashton Turner wrapped things up with some late hitting. Perth piled on 232/4 in their 20 overs. They passed 150/2 in 12.1 overs. That Marsh platform was just too good.
Strikers’ Chase Falls Short Despite Strong Start
Adelaide Strikers needed a big chase. Their openers, captain Matt Short and wicketkeeper Alex Carey, got off to a decent start. They scored 49/0 in the mandatory powerplay. The fifty-run opening stand came in just 4.2 overs, with Carey on 26 and Short on 24. They were trying hard.
But then, regular wickets just derailed things for the Strikers. The asking rate climbed too high. They couldn’t match the Scorchers’ total of 232. This meant Perth got a crucial victory. It gives them a stronger hold on a play-off spot.
Play-Off Stakes and Team Changes
This match had a lot riding on it. An earlier game between Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Sixers was washed out. That meant the Hurricanes were already guaranteed a top four finish. The Scorchers had this perfect chance to leapfrog the Sixers into third place. They took it.
Perth had slipped to fourth after a tough loss to Melbourne Renegades. This win re-establishes their momentum, everyone thinks. It put more distance between them and other mid-table teams. The Strikers, they needed a win to stay in touch for a top four spot themselves.
Team news saw some big returns. Josh Inglis was back for the Scorchers after international duties. He’s a premier wicketkeeper-batter, his explosive scoring and reliability really boost the lineup. The Strikers also had Alex Carey back for the gloves, reinforcing their batting led by Liam Scott and Matthew Short.
The Scorchers also gave a debut to off-spinner Luke Holt. And for the Strikers, Cameron Boyce made his first appearance of the season, giving them two legspinners alongside Lloyd Pope. You can check the full scorecards and live coverage from the match at Hindustan Times Cricket.
Post-Match Position
So, the Perth Scorchers are sitting pretty good now. They’re back on track after that loss to the Renegades. This win puts them firmly in a top-four spot. Commentary suggested they could even rise to third place above the Sydney Sixers, a significant step toward finals, according to ESPN. They’re a dominant force, no doubt.
Adelaide Strikers, though, they’re outside the top four. This defeat makes their path to the play-offs a lot harder. Before this game, Scorchers had a 16–12 win-loss advantage over Strikers, even beating them by 33 runs earlier in the month as Yahoo Sports reported from a previous match. It’s tough for Adelaide right now. They needed those points badly.
Soureesh Datta 
Sagnik Banerjee 
Ishaan Singh