The Big Bash League 2025-26 has reached its most intense stage. After Perth Scorchers sealed their place in the final by beating Sydney Sixers in the Qualifier, the spotlight now shifts to the Challenger.
The three-time champions Sydney Sixers will face the defending champions Hobart Hurricanes in a do-or-die clash. The winner will advance to the BBL 15 Final, while the loser’s campaign will end here.
SIX vs HUR Match Details
| Match Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | Big Bash League 2025-26 |
| Match | Sydney Sixers vs Hobart Hurricanes, Challenger |
| Date | Friday, 23 January 2026 |
| Time | 1:45 PM IST |
| Venue | Sydney Cricket Ground |
Match Preview
Sydney Sixers
Sydney Sixers have been inconsistent with the bat in recent games. The biggest update before this match is Babar Azam leaving the squad for national duty, which means the Sixers will open with Daniel Hughes instead.
- Heavy dependence on Steve Smith
- Middle order yet to click consistently
- Strong pace attack with Starc & Abbott
If Steve Smith fires at the top, the Sixers can put pressure on the Hurricanes. Otherwise, their batting looks vulnerable.
Key Players:
Steve Smith, Josh Philippe, Sean Abbott, Mitchell Starc
Hobart Hurricanes
The Hurricanes come into this game with momentum after a tight win over Melbourne Stars in the Knockout. Even without captain Nathan Ellis in the last match, their bowling unit delivered under pressure.
- Better batting depth than Sixers
- Multiple match-winners
- Strong death bowling options
Batters like Ben McDermott, Mitchell Owen, and Beau Webster give them flexibility, while bowlers like Chris Jordan and Riley Meredith add control.
Key Players:
Ben McDermott, Mitchell Owen, Chris Jordan, Riley Meredith
Head-to-Head Record
| Team | Matches Won |
|---|---|
| Hobart Hurricanes | 11 |
| Sydney Sixers | 9 |
| No Result | 2 |
Recent Form (Last 5 Matches)
| Team | Last 5 Results |
|---|---|
| Hobart Hurricanes | W, W, NR, L, W |
| Sydney Sixers | W, NR, W, W, L |
Pitch & Weather Report – Sydney
Weather
- Temperature: 21–23°C
- Humidity: 50–55%
- Rain: Around 20% chance
Pitch Behaviour
- Batting-friendly surface
- Good bounce for pacers
- Chasing teams have done reasonably well
Winning % while chasing: 46%
Sydney Cricket Ground – T20 Stats
| Record | Numbers |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 23 |
| Batting First Wins | 14 |
| Batting Second Wins | 8 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 161 |
| Highest Score | 221/5 |
| Lowest Score | 101/10 |
Predicted Playing XI
Sydney Sixers
- Daniel Hughes
- Steven Smith
- Josh Philippe (WK)
- Moises Henriques (C)
- Lachlan Shaw
- Jack Edwards
- Joel Davies
- Ben Manenti
- Ben Dwarshuis
- Sean Abbott
- Mitchell Starc
Hobart Hurricanes
- Tim Ward
- Mitchell Owen
- Beau Webster
- Ben McDermott
- Nikhil Chaudhary
- Matthew Wade (WK)
- Will Prestwidge
- Chris Jordan
- Nathan Ellis (C)
- Rishad Hossain
- Riley Meredith
Dream11 Fantasy Tips
Small League (Safe Picks)
Captain / Vice-Captain Options
- Ben McDermott
- Steve Smith
- Josh Philippe
- Nikhil Chaudhary
Grand League (Risk Picks)
Captain / Vice-Captain Options
- Mitchell Owen
- Jack Edwards
- Joel Davies
- Chris Jordan
Match Prediction – Who Will Win?
Sydney Sixers are too dependent on Steve Smith, and their batting depth has been exposed in recent games. The Hurricanes, on the other hand, look more balanced with multiple contributors in both batting and bowling.
Considering current form, team balance, and match momentum:
Predicted Winner: Hobart Hurricanes
Injury Update
| Team | Status |
|---|---|
| Sydney Sixers | No injury updates |
| Hobart Hurricanes | No injury updates |
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