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Hobart Hurricanes
Sydney Sixers
Sydney Sixers will take on Hobart Hurricanes in the Challenger match of the Big Bash League 2025/26 at the Sydney Cricket Ground. One win will make it to the final against the Perth Scorchers. Sydney will come into this game after losing the Qualifier to Perth.
Both teams will arrive with similar recent form. In the last five matches, each side has recorded 3 wins. Hobart finished third in the league stage, while Sydney finished in second spot. This gap will reflect their balanced and consistent performances across the season. Hurricanes will also take confidence from winning the previous meeting between the two sides this season.
The head-to-head record will slightly favour Hobart. Hurricanes have won 11 matches, while the Sixers have won 9, with one result. Notably, 9 of Hobartβs wins have come while batting first and defending their total.
The Sixers have more wicket-taking options, led by Edwards with 17 wickets, supported by Dwarshuis, Abbott & Starc, while Hobart will miss Ellis and rely heavily on Meredith & Rishad.
The betting tip is...
Top Bowlerβs Team - Sydney Sixers
69 %
31 %
Hobart HurricanesSydney SixersSydney Sixers come into this match after finishing the league stage as runners-up. Their momentum slowed after a heavy 48-run loss to Perth Scorchers in the Qualifier, where they were bowled out for 99. Josh Philippe has carried most of the batting load through the season, scoring 253 runs in 10 matches at an average of 25.30 and a strike rate of 145.40.
Babar Azam added 202 runs from 11 games, though his strike rate stayed at 104. Steven Smith has scored 210 runs in 4 matches at a strike rate of 172. Jack Edwards led with 17 wickets at an economy of 7.89. Joel Davies and Ben Dwarshuis combined for 25 wickets, while Mitchell Starc brought immense impact. Abbot & Dwarshuis have 18 and 15 past wickets against Hobart.
Abbott, Dwarshuis and Starc are the key bowlers.
Predicted Lineup: Babar Azam, Steve Smith, Josh Philippe (wk), Moises Henriques (c), Lachlan Shaw, Jack Edwards, Joel Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Sean Abbott, Mitchell Starc, Ben Manenti
Hobart Hurricanes will rely on their balanced squad. They will come into this match after edging past Melbourne Stars by 3 runs in the Knockout, a result that will boost confidence. Their recent form looks uneven, but the core group have delivered under pressure. The batting unit will offer depth and intent.
Chaudhary will remain the standout batter with 303 runs from 10 matches at a strike rate of 155. Ben McDermott will continue his steady run with 282 runs at a strike rate of 133, while Tim Ward will support the middle order with 187 runs at around 135.
The bowling attack will look settled. Riley Meredith will lead the pace unit with 11 wickets at 9.19, while Rishad Hossain will control spin with 13 wickets at 7.77. Ellis has been ruled out. Meredith has 9 wickets against the Sixers.
Meredith, Hossain and Jordan are the key bowlers.
Predicted Lineup: Tim Ward, Mitchell Owen, Beau Webster, Ben McDermott (c), Nikhil Chaudhary, Matthew Wade (wk), Chris Jordan, Rishad Hossain, Will Prestwidge, Riley Meredith, Billy Stanlake
Sydney Sixers will start this match as the more balanced side because of their bowling attack. Jack Edwards will lead the attack with 17 wickets at an economy of 7.89 this season. Ben Dwarshuis and Sean Abbott will add strong support, having taken 15 and 18 wickets respectively against Hobart in past meetings.
Mitchell Starc will remain a key threat with the new ball and at the death, especially at the SCG, where early wickets often set the tone.
Hobart will miss Nathan Ellis, their most experienced bowler alongside Riley Meredith. Meredith will lead the pace unit with 11 wickets but at an economy of 9.19, which could be costly. Rishad Hossain will handle spin with 13 wickets at 7.77, but the overall bowling depth will still favour Sydney in pressure situations.
