Sydney Sixers vs Hobart Hurricanes Prediction & Match Preview – BBL 31st Match
Match summary
Sydney Sixers take on table-topping Hobart Hurricanes at the SCG on 11 January 2026, with rain possible. Our BBL preview, XIs and pitch report.
Match details
| Match | Sydney Sixers vs Hobart Hurricanes, 31st Match |
|---|---|
| Series | Big Bash League 2025-26 |
| Date | 11 Jan 2026 |
| Start time | 3:05 am GMT / 2:05 pm local |
| Venue | Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney |
| Status | Played |
| Our pick | Hobart Hurricanes |
| Toss pick | Sydney Sixers |
Matches in this series
Match preview
Moises Henriques’s Sixers arrive full of confidence after a convincing six-wicket win over Melbourne Stars. The bowlers kept the opposition to a modest total and the batters completed the chase without fuss, but Hobart Hurricanes will be a far tougher test.
Babar Azam has not quite hit top gear yet and will want a solid start alongside Henriques. The middle order looks dangerous, with Josh Philippe, Steven Smith and Jordan Silk able to change a game in a few overs, and Sam Curran, Jack Edwards and Joel Davies adding late momentum. Ben Manenti and Sean Abbott need early wickets, while Ben Dwarshuis was outstanding last time and will again be asked to keep things tight.
Nathan Ellis’s Hurricanes are top of the table after a six-wicket victory over Sydney Thunder. The chase was composed, but the bowlers leaked runs, which Ellis wants fixed. Tim Ward hit a blistering knock in that game and will open with Mitchell Owen, with Ben McDermott, Rehan Ahmed and Nikhil Chaudhary in the middle order and Matthew Wade a dependable finisher. Will Prestwidge and Riley Meredith will aim to strike early, with Ellis and Rishad Hossain controlling the middle overs.
The SCG usually provides an even contest. Fast bowlers can extract swing and seam early thanks to the grass cover and coastal air, then the pitch becomes more batting-friendly and stroke-makers score freely once settled. Spinners find more help later in the game as the surface dries and rough patches appear, especially in longer formats. Overall it is a true wicket with something for both batters and bowlers.
A cool southerly change is expected on Sunday afternoon, with overcast skies and a high, roughly 70%, chance of light rain or showers around the 2:05 pm local start. Temperatures should hover near 22°C, with a brisk southerly wind of about 30 km/h and humidity near 69%, so interruptions are a real possibility.
Expected scores
| Innings | Predicted | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| First innings | 155–170 | – |
| Second innings | 145–165 | – |
Hobart Hurricanes
Hobart lead the table and have a powerful batting order, though Sixers are in confident form after beating the Stars.
Toss pick: Sydney Sixers
FAQ
Who is expected to win Sydney Sixers vs Hobart Hurricanes?
Our preview favours Hobart Hurricanes, who lead the table after a six-wicket win over Sydney Thunder.
Could rain affect the match?
Yes. The forecast shows a high chance of light rain or showers with a cool, breezy southerly change.
How did Sydney Sixers fare last time?
They beat Melbourne Stars by six wickets, with the bowlers restricting the opposition before a comfortable chase.
Probable XIs
Expected line-ups from our preview. c = captain, wk = wicketkeeper.
Sydney Sixers
- Babar Azam
- Josh Philippewk
- Moises Henriquesc
- Sam Curran
- Jordan Silk
- Jack Edwards
- Lachlan Shaw
- Ben Dwarshuis
- Joel Davies
- Ben Manenti
- Sean Abbott
Hobart Hurricanes
- Tim Ward
- Mitchell Owen
- Rehan Ahmed
- Ben McDermott
- Nikhil Chaudhary
- Matthew Wadewk
- Macalister Wright
- Chris Jordan
- Nathan Ellisc
- Rishad Hossain
- Riley Meredith