Perth, Dec. 14 -- Perth Scorchers secured a convincing five-wicket win against the Sydney Sixers in the opening fixture of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 season on Sunday.

Cooper Connolly was named Player of the Match for his match-winning half-century in the rain-hit contest.

Pakistan's Babar Azam, who made his debut in the BBL for the Sydney Sixers, managed just two runs in a very short stay at the crease. Connolly entertained his home ground with some stylish hitting in the run chase, which ultimately led his side to an easy win.

Connolly hammered three fours and five sixes in a knock of 59 runs from just 31 deliveries, which was enough to guide Perth Scorchers to reach the target of 114 runs with five balls to spare.

Earlier, t...