Perth Burners posted a formidable 202 for eight against Sydney Thunder during the 16th match of Big Bash League 2025-26 at the Sydney Showground Stadium on December 30, after the Thunder captain David Warner chose to go first. Ashton Turner‘s explosive 99, not out off 41 balls, almost took his side over 210 in total, but he fell woefully short of a century during a thrilling night of T20 action. The game turned early with the Thunder bowlers hitting shots, highlighted by Tanveer SanghaThe great diving catches to throw back Josh Inglis.
Tanveer Sangha catches a screamer to dismiss Josh Inglis
The thunder field turned on the spotlight when Daniel Sams delivered a short ball through middle and leg in 5.3 overs, climbing awkwardly on Inglis, who had only just come out of the Test squad for this outing. Cramped in space, Inglis pushed a top edge to deep square leg, where Sangha sprinted, dived full length forward and ripped a blinder inches off the turf to dismiss the Scorchers keeper-batsman for 13 off nine balls.
This wicket left the Scorchers reeling at 34 for three, with openers Mitchell Marais (6) and Finding Allen (11) is already gone, validating Thunder’s bold move amid predictions of a high-scoring deck. Sangha’s athleticism, replayed endlessly online, shifted momentum before Turner’s onslaught rebuilt the innings.
Here is the video:
Tanveer Sangha diving 🫨
Some holds to eliminate Josh Inglis in his first match of #BBL15. pic.twitter.com/C0xiJj3GRe
– KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 30, 2025
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Ashton Turner fails to reach century as Perth Scorchers post huge total
The Perth Scorchers found their spark after a slow start, and it was the skipper Ashton Turner who lit up the night with a stunning counterattack. When drinks were taken at halfway, Perth were teetering at 86 for three, but Turner had other ideas. He changed gears instantly, taking to the bowling with a fearless display of crisp hitting. His half-century came off just 22 balls, filled with a mix of crisp boundaries and towering sixes, as the momentum swung sharply in Perth’s favor.
Turner first stabilized things Cooper Connollyand the pair pushed the score past 100 before accelerating further. Even after the wickets fell, the Scorchers never lost the momentum. Turner continued the assault with Aaron Hardiehammering the bowlers in all overs and ensuring Perth finished with a formidable total. Thunder managed to fight back thanks to Sams, who picked up four wickets, while Shadab Khan contributed to a crucial breakthrough. Yet Turner’s innings was the story of the evening, ending cruelly on 99 as Perth surged to 202 for eight, leaving Thunder a hot chase under the Sydney lights.
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