Sydney Thunder vs Perth Scorchers Prediction & Match Preview – BBL 16th Match
Match summary
Sydney Thunder vs Perth Scorchers BBL 2025-26 preview: form, key batters and bowlers, likely XIs, Showground pitch, weather, expected scores and pick.
Match details
| Match | Sydney Thunder vs Perth Scorchers, 16th Match |
|---|---|
| Series | Big Bash League 2025-26 |
| Date | 30 Dec 2025 |
| Start time | 8:15 am GMT / 7:15 pm local |
| Venue | Sydney Showground Stadium, Sydney |
| Status | Played |
| Our pick | Perth Scorchers |
| Toss pick | Sydney Thunder |
Matches in this series
Match preview
Sydney Thunder host Perth Scorchers in the 16th match of the 2025-26 Big Bash League at Sydney Showground Stadium on Tuesday, 30 December.
The Thunder have struggled for consistency, with one win and three heavy defeats leaving them seventh. Matthew Gilkes has made 132 runs in four innings at a strike rate of 183, and Sam Billings and Cameron Bancroft have each passed 100. David Warner and Sam Konstas offer explosive starts, and Shadab Khan has scored 100 runs in three innings at 127 while taking six wickets. Reece Topley has three wickets but is conceding 11 an over, while Daniel Sams has three at 9.18.
Perth have won one and lost two to sit fifth. Cooper Connolly has scored 142 runs in three innings at a strike rate of 189, and Finn Allen has 138 at 200. Josh Inglis returns from the Australian Test camp, Nick Hobson and Laurie Evans have passed 50 this season, and the side hopes Mitchell Marsh finds form. Joel Paris has three wickets at 8.66 an over, with Connolly and Brody Couch taking five between them.
Under lights, our preview expects batting first to be favoured, with a total above 175 hard to chase and death-over execution decisive.
Sydney Showground Stadium is a batter-friendly T20 venue with consistent bounce and true pace. Seamers may find some early movement, but the surface favours strokeplay, and the quick outfield helps well-timed shots reach the rope. Spinners can be effective with tight lines, though significant turn is rare. Competitive totals are usually 170–190.
A warm, pleasant evening is expected at 7:15 pm local time, with mostly clear to partly cloudy skies, temperatures around 20–21 °C, no significant chance of rain and light to moderate coastal breezes.
Expected scores
| Innings | Predicted | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| First innings | 160–180 | – |
| Second innings | 155–175 | – |
Perth Scorchers
Perth have an explosive top order and the return of Josh Inglis, while Sydney sit seventh after three heavy defeats.
Toss pick: Sydney Thunder
FAQ
Who is expected to win Sydney Thunder vs Perth Scorchers?
Our preview picks Perth Scorchers, whose top order has been scoring quickly.
Is Josh Inglis available for Perth?
Our preview says he returns from the Australian Test camp, which strengthens the batting line-up.
Who has been Sydney’s best bowler?
Shadab Khan, with six wickets so far this season.
Probable XIs
Expected line-ups from our preview. c = captain, wk = wicketkeeper.
Sydney Thunder
- Sam Konstas
- Matthew Gilkes
- David Warnerc
- Cameron Bancroft
- Sam Billingswk
- Shadab Khan
- Daniel Sams
- Chris Green
- Nathan McAndrew
- Tanveer Sangha
- Reece Topley
Perth Scorchers
- Mitchell Marsh
- Finn Allenwk
- Cooper Connolly
- Aaron Hardie
- Ashton Turnerc
- Laurie Evans
- Nick Hobson
- Ashton Agar
- Joel Paris
- Brody Couch
- Mahli Beardman