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Perth Scorchers posted a formidable 202 for eight against Sydney Thunder in the 16th match of Big Bash League 2025-26 at Sydney Showground Stadium on December 30, after Thunder captain David Warner opted to field first. Ashton Turner‘s explosive 99 not out off 41 balls nearly carried his side to a 210-plus total, but he fell agonizingly short of a century in a thrilling night of T20 action. The game swung early with Thunder’s bowlers striking blows, highlighted by Tanveer Sangha‘s stunning diving catch to dismiss Josh Inglis.
Tanveer Sangha grabs a screamer to send back Josh Inglis
Thunder’s fielding lit up the floodlights when Daniel Sams delivered a short ball on middle and leg at 5.3 overs, climbing awkwardly on Inglis, who was fresh from Test squad release for this outing. Cramped for room, Inglis shanked a top edge high toward deep square leg, where Sangha sprinted in, dove full length forward, and plucked a blinder inches from the turf to send back the Scorchers keeper-batter for 13 off nine balls.
That wicket left Scorchers reeling at 34 for three, with openers Mitchell Marsh (6) and Finn Allen (11) already gone, validating Thunder’s bold toss decision amid predictions of a high-scoring deck. Sangha’s athleticism, replayed endlessly online, shifted momentum before Turner’s onslaught rebuilt the innings.
Here’s the video:
Tanveer Sangha on the dive 🫨
Some catch to remove Josh Inglis in his first match of .
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL)
Ashton Turner falls short of a century as Perth Scorchers post a massive total
Perth Scorchers found their spark after a slow start, and it was skipper Ashton Turner who lit up the night with a breathtaking counterattack. When drinks were taken at the halfway mark, Perth were wobbling at 86 for three, but Turner had other ideas. He shifted gears instantly, tearing into the bowling with a fearless display of clean 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 favour.
Turner first steadied things alongside Cooper Connolly, and the pair pushed the score past 100 before accelerating further. Even after wickets fell, the Scorchers never lost pace. Turner continued the assault with Aaron Hardie, hammering the bowlers to all parts and ensuring Perth finished with a formidable total. Thunder did manage to strike back through Sams, who picked up four wickets, while Shadab Khan chipped in with a crucial breakthrough. Still, Turner’s innings was the story of the night, cruelly ending on 99 as Perth surged to 202 for eight, leaving Thunder a stiff chase under the Sydney lights.
