The Perth Scorchers Academy have been crowned champions of the 2025 Top End T20 Series sponsored by Tourism NT after defeating Adelaide Strikers Academy by 15 runs in a thrilling final at DXC Arena, Darwin.
After Adelaide won the toss and elected to field, the finale of the Top End Series looked evenly poised at 2-41 following the dismissals of Joel Curtis (7) and Sam Fanning (19) to the bowling of Jerrssiss Wadia (1/41) and Hanno Jacobs (1/25) respectively.
Coming in at number four, Baxter Holt then played the ‘innings of the tournament’ as he smashed 114* from 63 balls (including 12 x 4’s and 4 x 6’s), combining with Captain Teague Wyllie (56* off 44 balls) for a 164-run partnership which helped the Scorchers to an impressive 2/205 from their 20 overs.
In reply, Adelaide were on track for a memorable run chase thanks to top order contributions from Mackenzie Harvey (83 off 52) and Harry Manenti (60 off 31), however crucial break throughs from Matthew Spoors (2/20) and Keaton Critchell (2/31) restricted last year’s Top End Champions to a total of 6/190, 15-runs short of the target.
The Scorchers finished the round robin phase of the tournament with 4-2 record, chalking up wins against the Pakistan Shaheens, Bangladesh ‘A’, Melbourne Stars Academy and the local NT Strike on their way to 3rd position on the ladder. The victory in Sunday’s final capping off a memorable campaign for the BBL’s most successful franchise, who earlier in the day had secured their place in the final with a 48-run semi-final win over Pakistan Shaheens, highlighted by a hat-trick to Keaton Critchell.
Baxter Holt was named Player of the Final for his 114*.
WA and Perth Scorchers Senior Assistant Coach Tim MacDonald said:
“As a team we probably played our best cricket in the second half of the tournament.
“It was good for the guys to experience finals cricket and be put under pressure.
“We came up here to learn about a young bunch of guys in the T20 cricket landscape and expose them to different roles.
“I’ve got no doubt this is the second best T20 competition in Australia behind the BBL.”
Nick Winter, NT Head of Cricket said:
“The Top End T20 Series has again showcased Darwin as a stage for elite cricket and an environment where talent can thrive and develop.
“Congratulations to the Perth Scorchers Academy on their win and to all teams for contributing to another outstanding tournament.”
Standout Performers Across the Top End T20 Series
The Top End Series once again showcased the depth of emerging talent across the competing academies and international sides. Melbourne Stars opener Thomas Rogers led all run scorers with 249 runs, followed closely by teammate Sam Harper (240) and Pakistan Shaheens’ Abdul Samad (221). Strikers' duo Mackenzie Harvey (218) and Jake Winter (212) also made significant contributions with the bat in their team’s run to the final.
With the ball, Pakistan Shaheens spinner Faisal Akram and Kingsmen quick Scott Kuggeleijn shared the honours of leading wicket takers, each finishing with 14 wickets. NT Strike’s Tom Menzies impressed with 12 wickets, while Bangladesh’s Rakibul Hasan, ACT Comets’ Lewis Evans and Perth’s Matt Kelly all collected 10 wickets.