BBL 2025-26, Match 36 Review: Finn Allen ton puts Scorchers into playoffs

Perth Scorchers registered a comprehensive 50-run win in match 36 of the Big Bash League on Thursday, January 15, at the Docklands Stadium in Melbourne.

The Renegades’ skipper Will Sutherland won the toss and chose to bowl first before Scorchers openers Mitchell Marsh and Finn Allen added 64 runs in seven overs. Cooper Connolly, Aaron Hardie (22 off 11), Ashton Turner (13 off 6), and Laurie Evans (21 off 11) contributed with cameos.

Still, it was Allen who displayed his power-hitting might, belting 101 off just 53, including five fours and eight sixes. He enjoyed the rub of the green, getting dropped on 8 and 37 before reaching his half-century off 34 balls. He notched up his century off 51 balls, with his last 50 runs coming in merely 17 balls.

Thanks to his superlative effort, Scorchers finished with a formidable 219/7. Sam Elliot was the pick of the bowlers for Renegades, scalping four wickets for 28 runs in three overs. On the other hand, Gurinder Sandhu had a forgettable day, as he conceded 47 runs in his three-over spell.

The Renegades started their chase poorly as left-arm spinner Connolly dismissed Josh Brown lbw for a three-ball duck before Tim Seifert and Jake Fraser-McGurk tried to counterattack in their 49-run stand off 27 balls. Fraser-McGurk was particularly severe against Jhye Richardson, smashing three sixes off him before tearing into David Payne in a 16-run over.

While it seemed that the duo would bring the Renegades back into the game, Luke Holt ended the partnership against the run of play as Fraser-McGurk holed out to long off for 42 off 18. While Seifert went all guns blazing, the middle-order failed to contribute much. Harry Dixon being retired hurt after copping a neck blow only dented the Renegades’ chase further.

Mahli Beardman then sent back Mohammad Rizwan for three to extend his woeful form in the tournament. Beardman struck again to dismiss Hassan Khan while Connolly saw Sutherland’s back as the Renegades lost half their side for just 82.

Once Siefert holed out to long-on off Hardie and Elliott was caught short of his ground, Sandhu and Brendan Doggett stayed in the middle to delay the inevitable with an unbeaten 27-run partnership off 22 balls as Renegades eventually finished on 169/7. Seifert top-scored with 66 runs off 43. Connolly and Beardman were the pick of the bowlers for the Scorchers, picking two wickets apiece.