The Sydney Sixers booked their place in the final of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 with a dominant 57-run victory over the Hobart Hurricanes in the Challenger at the Sydney Cricket Ground. After being put in to bat, the Sixers piled on an imposing 198 for 8 before producing a clinical bowling display to dismiss the Hurricanes for 141 in 17.2 overs.
Steve Smith anchors a powerful Sydney Sixers batting effort
Sydney Sixers’ innings was anchored by a masterful knock from Steve Smith, who once again showcased his adaptability in the shortest format. Smith struck a fluent 65 off 43 deliveries, timing the ball sweetly through the gaps and ensuring the innings never lost momentum. Daniel Hughes provided a brisk start, while Josh Philippe rotated the strike in the powerplay to set a solid platform.
The middle and lower order then injected the late surge that pushed the total towards 200. Moises Henriques smashed 19 off just eight balls, and Joel Davies played a crucial cameo with 27 off 12, launching two sixes to swing the momentum firmly in the Sixers’ favour. Contributions from Lachlan Shaw and Jack Edwards kept the scoreboard ticking, ensuring the Hurricanes were left with a daunting chase.
Hobart Hurricanes’ bowlers found it tough on a true SCG surface. Riley Meredith led the wicket-taking column with three scalps but conceded heavily, while Billy Stanlake and Rishad Hossain picked up two wickets apiece without being able to stem the flow of runs. Nikhil Chaudhary was the most economical, but the lack of sustained pressure meant the Sixers were always in control during the final overs.
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Ben McDermott fights, but Sixers bowlers dominate chase
Chasing 199, the Hurricanes needed a flying start but lost wickets at regular intervals. Ben McDermott stood out with a valiant 40 off 26 balls, briefly raising hopes of a fightback. Beau Webster tried to hold the innings together, while Will Prestwidge added some late resistance, but the asking rate kept climbing.
The Sixers’ bowling unit operated like a well-oiled machine. Ben Dwarshuis struck early and finished with three wickets, while Mitchell Starc’s pace and Sean Abbott’s discipline applied relentless pressure. Davies chipped in with two key wickets, and the Hurricanes were eventually bowled out well short of the target.
With a comprehensive all-round performance, the Sydney Sixers underlined why they remain one of the most consistent sides in Big Bash history. Their depth in both batting and bowling proved decisive on the night, while the Hurricanes were left to rue missed opportunities. The Sixers now march into the final full of confidence. They will take on Perth Scorchers in the summit clash.
Joel Davies bagged Player of the Match for his all-round display 🔥#JoelDavies #BBL15 pic.twitter.com/KJ9t2rSCx1
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 23, 2026
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