Sydney Sixers vs Hobart Hurricanes Prediction & Match Preview – BBL Challenger
Match summary
Sydney Sixers host Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL 2025-26 Challenger at the SCG on 23 January. Form, key players, pitch, weather, XIs and expected scores.
Match details
| Match | Sydney Sixers vs Hobart Hurricanes, Challenger |
|---|---|
| Series | Big Bash League 2025-26 |
| Date | 23 Jan 2026 |
| Start time | 08:15 am GMT / 07:15 pm local |
| Venue | Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney |
| Status | Played |
| Our pick | Hobart Hurricanes |
| Toss pick | Sydney Sixers |
Matches in this series
Match preview
Sydney Sixers and Hobart Hurricanes meet at the SCG in the Challenger of the Big Bash League 2025-26. The Sixers finished the league stage as runners-up but lost the Qualifier by 48 runs to Perth Scorchers, bowled out for 99, which raises questions about their batting. They still have a second chance through this game.
Josh Philippe has carried much of the batting, with 253 runs in 10 matches at an average of 25.30 and a strike rate of 145.40. Steven Smith has hit form at the right time, scoring 210 runs in four matches at a strike rate of 172. Babar Azam is unavailable for the rest of the finals, with Daniel Hughes expected to replace him. Jack Edwards has 17 wickets at an economy of 7.89, Joel Davies and Ben Dwarshuis have 25 between them, and Mitchell Starc can change a game with the new ball.
Hobart, the defending champions, edged through the Knockout with a three-run win over Melbourne Stars after patchy recent form. Nikhil Chaudhary has 303 runs from 10 matches at a strike rate of 155, Ben McDermott 282 at 133 and Tim Ward 187 at about 135, with Mitchell Owen also effective at the top. Nathan Ellis returns after missing the Knockout, and with Riley Meredith he has helped take 25 wickets this season. Chris Jordan’s death bowling and Rishad Hossain’s 13 wickets at an economy of 7.77 add variety.
The SCG normally provides a balanced surface. Fresh grass and coastal air can give the quicks swing and seam early, after which the pitch becomes friendlier for strokemakers who settle. Spinners often find help as it dries and wears. It is generally a true wicket that rewards timing over brute force, and a total near 170 is competitive.
Around the 7:15 pm local start on 23 January, the Sydney Cricket Ground should be mild and pleasant, with temperatures in the low 20s °C and partly cloudy skies. There is only a slight chance of a passing shower and a gentle breeze is not expected to affect play.
Expected scores
| Innings | Predicted | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| First innings | 160–170 | – |
| Second innings | 150–165 | – |
Hobart Hurricanes
Hobart are the defending champions with a strong batting group and Nathan Ellis back, while the Sixers lose Babar Azam and were bowled out for 99 last time.
Toss pick: Sydney Sixers
FAQ
Who is expected to win Sydney Sixers vs Hobart Hurricanes?
Our preview picks Hobart Hurricanes, the defending champions, who bring a deep batting line-up and Nathan Ellis’s return.
Will Babar Azam play for Sydney Sixers?
No. He has been recalled by Pakistan for national duty, and Daniel Hughes is expected to take his place.
What happened to the Sixers in the Qualifier?
Perth Scorchers beat them by 48 runs after the Sixers were bundled out for 99.
Probable XIs
Expected line-ups from our preview. c = captain, wk = wicketkeeper.
Sydney Sixers
- Daniel Hughes
- Steve Smith
- Josh Philippe
- Moises Henriques
- Lachlan Shaw
- Jack Edwards
- Joel Davies
- Ben Dwarshuis
- Sean Abbott
- Mitchell Starc
- Ben Manenti
Hobart Hurricanes
- Tim Ward
- Mitchell Owen
- Beau Webster
- Ben McDermott
- Nikhil Chaudhary
- Matthew Wade
- Chris Jordan
- Rishad Hossain
- Nathan Ellis
- Riley Meredith
- Billy Stanlake
Head-to-head
Earlier meetings of Sydney Sixers and Hobart Hurricanes that we covered.