Match 40 of the Big Bash League 2025-26 will feature Brisbane Heat taking on Sydney Sixers.The match will be played at The Gabba, Brisbane on Sunday afternoon.
This is a virtual knockout game, as the winner will qualify for the playoffs, while the losing team will be eliminated. Three playoff spots are already confirmed, and this is the final league match that will decide the last remaining place.
HEA vs SIX Match Details
| Match Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | Big Bash League 2025-26 |
| Match | Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Sixers – Match 40 |
| Date | Sunday, 18 January 2026 |
| Time | 1:45 PM IST |
| Venue | The Gabba, Brisbane |
Match Preview
Sydney Sixers (SIX)
Sydney Sixers are three-time BBL champions and come into this match in excellent form.
- 11 points on the table
- Strong second-half momentum
- Batting boosted by Steve Smith’s return
In their previous match, Steve Smith smashed one of the fastest centuries in BBL history (41 balls). Despite a brief controversy involving a run-out moment with Babar Azam, the Sixers finished strongly. The presence of Mitchell Starc has also added more depth and experience to their bowling attack.
Key Players:
Steve Smith, Babar Azam, Josh Philippe, Mitchell Starc
Brisbane Heat (HEA)
Brisbane Heat are coming into this match with renewed confidence.
- Won their last two matches
- Strong home advantage at The Gabba
- Balanced batting and bowling unit
Their recent win against Hobart Hurricanes has kept their playoff hopes alive. Usman Khawaja has strengthened the top order, while bowlers like Michael Neser and Xavier Bartlett have delivered important spells.
Key Players:
Usman Khawaja, Matt Renshaw, Michael Neser, Xavier Bartlett
Head-to-Head Record
| Team | Matches Won |
|---|---|
| Sydney Sixers | 15 |
| Brisbane Heat | 7 |
| No Result | 2 |
Recent Form (Last 5 Matches)
| Team | Last 5 Results |
|---|---|
| Brisbane Heat | L, W, L, W, W |
| Sydney Sixers | W, W, W, L, W |
Pitch & Weather Report
Weather
- Temperature: 24–26°C
- Humidity: 80–85%
- Rain Chance: 20%
Pitch – The Gabba, Brisbane
- Batting-friendly surface
- Fast bowlers get bounce and movement
- Chasing teams have struggled
Chasing Teams Winning Percentage: 27%
The Gabba – T20 Stats
| Record | Numbers |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 11 |
| Batting First Wins | 8 |
| Batting Second Wins | 3 |
| Tie / No Result | 0 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 150 |
| Highest Score | 209/3 |
| Lowest Score | 114 all out |
Predicted Playing XI
Sydney Sixers
- Babar Azam
- Steve Smith
- Josh Philippe (WK)
- Moises Henriques (C)
- Sam Curran
- Lachlan Shaw
- Jack Edwards
- Joel Davies
- Ben Manenti
- Sean Abbott
- Mitchell Starc
Brisbane Heat
- Usman Khawaja (C)
- Jack Wildermuth
- Nathan McSweeney
- Matt Renshaw
- Max Bryant
- Jimmy Peirson (WK)
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Michael Neser
- Xavier Bartlett
- Matthew Kuhnemann
- Zaman Khan
Dream11 Fantasy Tips
Small League (Safe Picks)
Captain / Vice-Captain Options
- Steve Smith
- Usman Khawaja
- Josh Philippe
- Matt Renshaw
Grand League (Risky Picks)
Captain / Vice-Captain Options
- Jack Edwards
- Jack Wildermuth
- Sam Curran
- Xavier Bartlett
Match Prediction – Who Will Win?
Both teams are in good form and cannot afford any mistakes in this do-or-die clash. Brisbane Heat will enjoy home conditions and have momentum on their side.
However, Sydney Sixers look more settled, especially after the return of Steve Smith and the experience of Mitchell Starc. Their strong batting depth and big-match temperament give them an edge.
Predicted Winner: Sydney Sixers
Injury Update
| Team | Status |
|---|---|
| Sydney Sixers | No injury updates |
| Brisbane Heat | No injury updates |
Disclaimer: Fantasy sports involve financial risk and may be addictive. Please play responsibly and only for entertainment purposes.
