99 Not Out, But 100% Unforgettable!Cricket doesn’t always need a century to create history — sometimes, 99 is louder than 100.
On December 29, 2025, Perth Scorchers captain Ashton Turner produced one of the most thrilling innings of the BBL 2025–26 season, smashing an unbeaten 99 off just 41 balls against the Sydney Thunder at the Sydney Showground Stadium.
The crowd watched in disbelief as Turner unleashed eight fours and eight towering sixes, turning a struggling innings into pure fireworks.
⚡ An Explosive Rescue Act
Walking in at number five, Turner took charge when the Scorchers needed momentum. His fearless stroke play powered Perth to a competitive 202/8 in 20 overs.
This knock marked:
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His 17th T20 half-century
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His 14th BBL fifty
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One of the most dramatic near-centuries in league history
The heartbreak?
Turner was left stranded on 99* in the final over as no runs came off the last balls — a cruel twist in an otherwise magical night.
Aaron Hardie played the perfect supporting role, smashing 28 off 16 balls to supercharge the death overs.
🏏 A Rare and Painful BBL Record
Turner entered a rare BBL club — batters who ended unbeaten on 99.
Only four players in BBL history have suffered this fate:
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Shaun Marsh (99* – 2011)
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Josh Philippe (99* – 2021)
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Colin Munro (99* – 2023)
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Ashton Turner (99 – 2025)*
Among Scorchers players, Turner is just the second after Marsh.
✍️ Fresh Signing, Fresh Spotlight
Earlier this month, on December 15, 2025, Turner was signed by Leicestershire for the 2026 T20 Blast.
The 32-year-old reunites with coach Alfonso Thomas, bringing:
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3,800+ T20 runs
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Experience from leagues in India, Pakistan, and South Africa
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Leadership from years with the Scorchers
🔁 A Career That Refuses to Fade
Born on January 25, 1993, in Perth, Turner may not have a T20 century in 243 matches, but his impact remains undeniable.
From his iconic 2019 ODI chase vs India to captaining the Scorchers, Turner continues to prove one thing:
👉 Form fades. Class doesn’t.
This unforgettable 99 keeps Ashton Turner firmly in the headlines — and reminds the cricket world why he’s still box-office material.