The 2025-26 Big Bash League Qualifier, played at Perth Stadium, saw an outstanding moment that tilted momentum decisively in favour of the Sydney Sixers. Under pressure from the start, Perth Scorchers were remarkably reminded of Babar Azam's elite fielding abilities when the West Indian dashed for diving catch, leaving the crowd aghast, leaving quite a dent in the Scorchers' morale. Babar Azam's Athletic Brilliance Turns the Match The breakthrough of the game came in the 12th over, Ben Manenti inducing Cooper Connolly into an ill-advised back-foot cut. Connolly, starved of runs, dot-balled out, could not keep the shot down. Babar was standing at backward point; he was very quick to react, diving impressively to his left, and just above ground level ensured he held the ball. It was a moment that was under pressure and calm execution, which shows why Babar continues to be one of the best all-format players in the game. The fall of this wicket put paid to any hopes of a late revival by the Scorchers. Connolly made just eight runs in eleven deliveries, and his wicket laid bare an already-shaky middle order that had no hope of recovering. The energy from that catch was latched onto by the Sixers' bowlers and translated into an increased tightening of the line and errors made by ensuing batters. Watc the video here: "Good catch from Babar!"Ben Manenti takes a wicket with his second ball, and Cooper Connolly is gone. #BBL15 pic.twitter.com/ftdCMgbxag — KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 20, 2026 Also Read | BBL 2025-26: Finn Allen Sets Record for Most Sixes in a Single Big Bash Season From Promise to Collapse: Scorchers Struggle to Build Momentum Earlier, Perth's innings had looked promising but actually delivered poorly. At the top, Finn Allen inspired counterpunches with confidence and timing but kept on falling a victim and denying the Scorchers any capacity for partnership. Scorecard showed a stutter-stop affair for the home side in the second half of the innings. Perth Scorchers ended up with 147 for 9 in their full quota of 20 overs at a run rate of 7.35. With two fours and four sixes, Finn Allen was the top scorer with a brisk 49 off 30 balls. Ash Turner brought in a brave resistance of 29 from 21 balls, Ghye Richardson added on late resistance of 20 off 8 balls. However, other than them, the batting order gave very little support, with Mitchell Marsh, Josh Inglis and Laurie Evans all being counted cheaply. For Sixers, the bowling department shared the workload competently. Mitchell Starc claimed two crucial wickets for 32 runs, Ben Dwarshuis bagged two for 23, and Jack Edwards impressed with two for 25. Ben Manenti's vital spell featured the prized scalp of Connolly, one made memorable by Babar Azam's astonishing catch.