BBL 2025/26 | Match 21: Sydney Thunder vs Hobart Hurricanes | Preview and Predictions

The Sydney Thunder will take on the Hobart Hurricanes in Match 21 of the 2025/26 KFC Big Bash League season at the Sydney Showground on January 3, 2026. 

The Thunder are struggling at the bottom of the table, having lost four of their first five games, while a confidence-sapping defeat sees the Hobart Hurricanes sit second in the league table, level on points with the Melbourne Stars, but having played two more games.

With both teams looking to bounce back from recent defeats, this one’s poised to be an exciting contest. Here, we present our preview and predictions for BBL|15 Match 21. 

BBL|15 Match 21: Thunder vs Hurricanes | 13:45 IST, January 3, 2026

The Sydney Thunder have struggled to find steady momentum this season. They’ve recorded just one victory alongside four heavy losses, which has pushed them to the bottom of the standings with a net run rate of -1.463. With the margin for error shrinking fast, attention must now turn towards tightening loose ends if they are to push for a play-off spot.

There have been some encouraging signs from their batting department, with Matthew Gilkes setting the tone up front, having scored 165 runs across five appearances with an impressive strike rate of 181.

Sam Billings and Sam Konstas have also chipped in well, with Shadab Khan contributing from the lower-middle order. However, it is the lack of contribution from two of their senior-most players, Cameron Bancroft and David Warner, that has hurt the Thunder so far this season.

Turning to the bowlers, Daniel Sams has carried the biggest workload, claiming seven wickets in five matches, although going at an economy close to 10 an over. Reece Topley has also gone for runs (10.23 rpo) while taking just five wickets. Outside those two, Shadab Khan has been the most effective bowling option, having picked up seven wickets while conceding just 8.11 runs an over, which is significantly better than the rest of the Thunder bowling attack.

The Hobart Hurricanes, on the other hand, have been dominant, recording four wins and two losses so far to sit firmly second in the table. Those early performances have set a positive tone, and this fixture offers another platform to push that run forward.

Their batting order has delivered for them, with almost every batter contributing in some way. Both Nikhil Chaudhary and Ben McDermott have been outstanding for them. Despite Mitchell Owen’s 60 runs across six outings, Chaudhary’s 211 runs from the other end and McDermott’s 183 runs from the middle order have made all the difference for them in many games. 

The Hurricanes’ bowling unit hasn’t been far behind the batters either, and last match’s poor outing against the Perth Scorchers can be forgiven as a blip. Riley Meredith and Nathan Ellis provide pace and bounce early and have combined for 16 wickets so far. Chris Jordan has been his usual best, particularly in the death overs, delivering both control and wickets. Moreover, Rishad Hossain has been a game-changer through the middle phase, having already taken eight wickets at 7.79 runs per over. 

In terms of weather forecast and pitch report for this game, conditions are expected to be nice and pleasant throughout the day. The surface at the Sydney Showground has assisted batters more in general, with teams batting first in the last two BBL games posting 198/5 and 202/8, respectively, and winning comfortably. 

Looking ahead to this fixture, the Hobart Hurricanes have performed well this season and will want to maintain that momentum when they face the struggling Sydney Thunder, who have quality players in their ranks but not consistency. While playing at home could give them a boost, the Hurricanes come into the game with a far superior recent form; we expect them to win this contest. 

Fantasy XI: Mitchell Owen, Cameron Bancroft (c), Nikhil Chaudhary, Matthew Gilkes, Ben McDermott, Shadab Khan, Chris Jordan, Daniel Sams, Nathan Ellis, Rishad Hossain (vc), Reece Topley 

Venue: Sydney Showground Stadium, Sydney 
Winners Prediction: Hobart Hurricanes