BBL Finals History: Every Winner and Runner-Up Listed

Cricket fans love the Big Bash League (BBL) for its explosive matches, high-scoring chases, and last-over thrillers. But one thing that truly defines the excitement is the BBL finals, where the best teams battle for the ultimate prize.

Many fans struggle to keep track of every BBL final match, from the first season in 2011-12 to the latest edition. Whether you’re a die-hard supporter or a casual viewer, knowing the full BBL winners and runners-up list helps you understand the league’s history better.

In this article, we’ll take you through every Big Bash League final—who won, who came close, and key moments from each season. If you’re curious about the teams that dominated T20 cricket in Australia, this guide has everything you need.

BBL Finals History: Every Champion and Runner-Up

The Big Bash League began in 2011, replacing the previous state-based competition. Over the years, some teams have built legacies, while others have come agonizingly close to lifting the trophy.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of every BBL final match since the league’s inception.

2011-12 – Sydney Sixers Make History

• Winner: Sydney Sixers
• Runner-up: Perth Scorchers
• Venue: WACA Ground
• Key Players: Moises Henriques, Brett Lee

The first-ever BBL final saw Sydney Sixers dominate Perth Scorchers with a clinical performance. With an all-round display, the Sixers comfortably won by 7 wickets, becoming the first BBL champions in history.

2012-13 – Brisbane Heat’s Shock Victory

• Winner: Brisbane Heat
• Runner-up: Perth Scorchers
• Venue: WACA Ground
• Key Players: Chris Lynn, James Hopes

Brisbane Heat stunned everyone by defeating the strong Scorchers side in their home ground. A solid performance from Chris Lynn and the bowlers helped the Heat secure their first BBL title by 34 runs.

2013-14 – Perth Scorchers Finally Get Their Title

• Winner: Perth Scorchers
• Runner-up: Hobart Hurricanes
• Venue: WACA Ground
• Key Players: Shaun Marsh, Jason Behrendorff

After losing two consecutive finals, Perth Scorchers finally broke the curse and won their first BBL championship. A dominant batting display and a lethal bowling attack saw them cruise to victory over the Hurricanes.

2014-15 – Perth Scorchers Go Back-to-Back

• Winner: Perth Scorchers
• Runner-up: Sydney Sixers
• Venue: Manuka Oval
• Key Players: Adam Voges, Andrew Tye

The Scorchers defended their title successfully, defeating the Sydney Sixers in a thrilling last-ball finish. This win cemented their place as the first team to win multiple BBL championships.

2015-16 – Sydney Thunder’s Historic First Win

• Winner: Sydney Thunder
• Runner-up: Melbourne Stars
• Venue: MCG
• Key Players: Usman Khawaja, Jacques Kallis

After years of struggles, Sydney Thunder shocked everyone by lifting their first BBL trophy. Usman Khawaja’s sensational form helped them chase down a competitive target against Melbourne Stars.

2016-17 – Perth Scorchers Dominate Again

• Winner: Perth Scorchers
• Runner-up: Sydney Sixers
• Venue: WACA Ground
• Key Players: Mitchell Johnson, Michael Klinger

The Scorchers proved once again why they are the most consistent BBL team. They dominated Sydney Sixers in the final, registering a nine-wicket victory and securing their third title in just four years.

2017-18 – Adelaide Strikers Win Their First BBL Trophy

• Winner: Adelaide Strikers
• Runner-up: Hobart Hurricanes
• Venue: Adelaide Oval
• Key Players: Travis Head, Rashid Khan

Adelaide Strikers finally won their maiden BBL title after a standout performance in the final. Travis Head’s heroics and Rashid Khan’s magic with the ball sealed the victory over Hobart Hurricanes.

2018-19 – Melbourne Renegades Pull Off a Stunning Comeback

• Winner: Melbourne Renegades
• Runner-up: Melbourne Stars
• Venue: Marvel Stadium
• Key Players: Aaron Finch, Dan Christian

In a Melbourne Derby final, the Renegades pulled off one of the greatest turnarounds in BBL history. Despite looking down and out, they staged a remarkable comeback, snatching the trophy from Melbourne Stars.

2019-20 – Sydney Sixers Return to the Top

• Winner: Sydney Sixers
• Runner-up: Melbourne Stars
• Venue: SCG
• Key Players: Josh Philippe, Sean Abbott

A decade after winning the first BBL final, Sydney Sixers lifted their second trophy. Josh Philippe’s batting brilliance helped them outclass Melbourne Stars in a rain-affected final.

2020-21 – Sixers Go Back-to-Back

• Winner: Sydney Sixers
• Runner-up: Perth Scorchers
• Venue: SCG
• Key Players: James Vince, Josh Philippe

The Sixers successfully defended their title, winning consecutive BBL championships. James Vince starred in the final with a match-winning knock that crushed Perth Scorchers’ hopes.

2021-22 – Perth Scorchers Win Their Fourth BBL Title

• Winner: Perth Scorchers
• Runner-up: Sydney Sixers
• Venue: Marvel Stadium
• Key Players: Laurie Evans, Jhye Richardson

The Scorchers continued their dominance in BBL finals, securing their fourth championship with a commanding performance against Sydney Sixers.

2022-23 – Perth Scorchers Extend Their Record

• Winner: Perth Scorchers
• Runner-up: Brisbane Heat
• Venue: Optus Stadium
• Key Players: Ashton Turner, Aaron Hardie

Perth Scorchers won their fifth BBL title, extending their lead as the most successful team in BBL history. A thrilling chase saw them edge past Brisbane Heat in the final.

2023-24 – Brisbane Heat’s Second Triumph

• Winner: Brisbane Heat
• Runner-up: Sydney Sixers
• Venue: SCG
• Key Players: Josh Brown, Xavier Bartlett

After an 11-year wait, Brisbane Heat clinched their second BBL title. They crushed the Sixers with a dominant bowling display, winning by 54 runs.

2024-25 – Hobart Hurricanes Finally Break Their Drought

• Winner: Hobart Hurricanes
• Runner-up: Sydney Thunder
• Venue: Bellerive Oval
• Key Players: Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith

After years of heartbreak, the Hurricanes finally won their first BBL championship. A convincing win over Sydney Thunder saw them lift the trophy on their home ground.

BBL Finals Trends and Most Successful Teams

The Big Bash League has produced some unforgettable finals over the years, with certain teams consistently performing well while others have struggled. Let’s take a closer look at some key trends in BBL history.

BBL Finals Trends and Key Stats

1. Perth Scorchers – The Undisputed Kings of BBL

• Most BBL championships: 5 titles
• Most BBL final appearances: 8 times
• Won back-to-back titles twice (2013-14 & 2014-15, 2021-22 & 2022-23)

Perth Scorchers have been the most dominant team in BBL history, winning five championships and reaching the final a record eight times. Their consistency makes them the most feared team in BBL finals.

2. Sydney Sixers – The Closest Rival to Scorchers

• 3-time BBL champions
• Won the first-ever BBL final in 2011-12
• Defended their title successfully in 2020-21

The Sydney Sixers have been one of the strongest franchises, consistently reaching the knockout stage and producing top-quality performances in BBL final matches.

3. Frequent Finalists, But No Titles for Melbourne Stars

• 3 BBL final appearances
• Lost in 2015-16, 2018-19, and 2019-20
• Known for choking in high-pressure matches

The Melbourne Stars have been one of the unluckiest teams in BBL history. Despite having star-studded squads over the years, they have never won a BBL championship.

4. Brisbane Heat and Hobart Hurricanes – Different Paths, Similar Stories

• Brisbane Heat won two BBL titles (2012-13, 2023-24)
• Hobart Hurricanes won their first title in 2024-25
• Both teams have been strong in certain seasons but inconsistent overall

The Heat had to wait 11 years to win their second title, while the Hurricanes finally lifted the trophy in 2024-25 after several missed opportunities.

BBL Champions List: Quick Recap

FAQs About BBL Finals

Who has won the most BBL titles?

Perth Scorchers hold the record with five BBL championships.

Which team has lost the most BBL finals?

The Melbourne Stars have lost three BBL finals (2015-16, 2018-19, 2019-20) without ever winning the title.

Which BBL final had the biggest winning margin?

The 2023-24 final saw Brisbane Heat defeat Sydney Sixers by 54 runs, one of the most one-sided BBL finals.

Has any team won three consecutive BBL titles?

No team has ever won three BBL championships in a row. The closest were the Sydney Sixers (2019-20, 2020-21) and Perth Scorchers (2013-14, 2014-15), but neither won a third straight.

Will BBL 2025-26 bring a new champion?

It’s possible! With teams like Hobart Hurricanes and Brisbane Heat improving, the competition is wide open.

Final Thoughts

The Big Bash League finals have produced unforgettable moments, with BBL winners etching their names in history. Whether it’s the dominance of Perth Scorchers, the consistency of Sydney Sixers, or the rise of new champions, every season adds more excitement to T20 cricket in Australia.

Which team do you think will win the next BBL final? Let us know in the comments!