The Big Bash League 2025-26 season heats up as the Sydney Sixers take on the league leaders, the Hobart Hurricanes, in a high-stakes Match 31 at the historic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). The Hurricanes are in sensational form, having surged to the top of the standings with six wins from eight matches.
The Sixers, currently sitting in fourth, are equally dangerous and have been bolstered by the high-profile return of Steve Smith following the conclusion of the Ashes. With the Hurricanes looking to clinch the top spot and the Sixers aiming to climb the ladder, this clash between two in-form sides promises to be a thriller.
SS vs HH, BBL|15: Match Details
- Date and Time: January 11 (Sunday); 08:35 am IST / 03:05 am GMT / 2:05 pm Local
- Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), Sydney
Head-to-Head Record in BBL:
Matches played: 21 | Hobart Hurricanes won: 11 | Sydney Sixers won: 9 | No result/Tied: 1
SCG, Sydney Pitch Report
The SCG is a venue that historically offers a fair balance between bat and ball. While it remains one of the better tracks for spinners in Australia due to its abrasive nature, the drop-in pitches used for BBL|15 have shown consistent carry for the pacers early on. The average first-innings score at the SCG in T20s is around 155-165, but with the quality of batting in both these lineups, a score near 180 is likely needed. Interestingly, the team bowling first has won the last eight matches involving the Sixers, suggesting that the toss-winning captain will likely elect to bowl first to take advantage of any early movement before the pitch settles.
Sydney Sixers vs Hobart Hurricanes: Team dynamics and key players
Sydney Sixers: The big news for the Men in Pink is the return of Steve Smith, who will likely open the batting alongside the international marquee signing Babar Azam. This provides the Sixers with arguably the most technically sound opening pair in the tournament. Moises Henriques and Josh Philippe add middle-order stability, while Sean Abbott, the league’s all-time leading wicket-taker, continues to lead a bowling attack that also features the disciplined Ben Dwarshuis. The addition of spinner Todd Murphy provides them with a tactical edge if the SCG surface begins to take turn.
Hobart Hurricanes: The defending champions are a well-oiled machine. They welcome back all-rounder Beau Webster from international duty, further strengthening a middle order that already features the destructive Nikhil Chaudhary and Ben McDermott. Even with skipper Nathan Ellis being managed for this game, the Hurricanes’ bowling remains lethal with Riley Meredith’s express pace and the spin duo of Rehan Ahmed and Rishad Hossain. Their ability to win matches outside Tasmania (having won their last three away games) makes them a formidable opponent even at the Sixers’ fortress.
SS vs HH, BBL|15: Today’s Match Prediction
Case 1:
- Sydney Sixers wins the toss and bowls first
- Hobart Hurricanes’ powerplay score: 45-55 (6 overs)
- Hobart Hurricanes’ total score: 165-180
Case 2:
- Hobart Hurricanes wins the toss and bowls first
- Sydney Sixers’ powerplay score: 50-60 (6 overs)
- Sydney Sixers’ total score: 175-190
Match result: Sydney Sixers to win the contest
Also READ: BBL|15: Full list of commentators and presenters at the Big Bash League 2025-26
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