The Sydney derby arrives in the first week of BBL 2025-26, with Sydney Thunder hosting Sydney Sixers at the Showground. The venue is known for high-scoring, entertaining T20 cricket, with consistent bounce and a quick outfield that reward well-timed strokes.
The Thunder squad features David Warner, Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings, Sam Konstas, Ollie Davies and Matt Gilkes in the batting department, with Daniel Sams, Chris Green, Lockie Ferguson, Tanveer Sangha and Shadab Khan among the bowlers and all-rounders. They will want a strong start from the top order and acceleration from the middle.
The Sixers name Babar Azam, Josh Philippe, Moises Henriques, Jordan Silk, Daniel Hughes and Steve Smith in their squad, along with a pace group that includes Ben Dwarshuis, Sean Abbott, Kane Richardson and Mitchell Starc. Middle-over partnerships will be key for them, whether setting or chasing a target. Powerplay performance and death-over execution are likely to decide the contest, and our preview leans slightly towards the Sixers.