BBL 2025/26 | Match 3: Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Thunder | Preview and Predictions

It’s a repeat of the 2024/25 Big Bash League final, with defending champions Hobart Hurricanes taking on the Sydney Thunder on December 16 at Bellerive Oval in Hobart. 

Here, we present our preview and predictions for BBL|15 Match 3.

BBL|15 Match 3: Hurricanes vs Thunder | 13:45 IST, December 16, 2025

Under captain Nathan Ellis and coach Jeff Vaughan, the defending champions will be aiming to build on the momentum after their maiden title last term. With key players re-committing and fresh faces added to the roster, the Hurricanes appear well-equipped for another deep run this season. 

Looking at their squad for BBL|15, the Hurricanes roster is a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent. On the batting side, power-hitter Tim David anchors the middle order, supported by Ben McDermott and Matthew Wade at the top, while all-rounder Beau Webster and southpaw Jake Weatherald bring added batting depth. Promising left-handed batter Tim Ward has also been brought in to bolster the top and middle orders.

The Hurricanes’ bowling attack features the pace of Riley Meredith and Billy Stanlake alongside that of captain Ellis, who is a versatile seamer. English all-rounder Chris Jordan provides depth and strength in the death overs with both bat and ball, with Mac Wright leading the spin attack, which the Hurricanes have further bolstered with the additions of international leg-spinners Rehan Ahmed and Rishad Hossain. 

However, despite their talent, the Hurricanes do have vulnerabilities. One key concern is their heavy reliance on a few key players. The batting line-up, while strong at the top, depends significantly on stars like Tim David and the experienced openers. If David has an off-day, or Wade and McDermott are neutralised by the opposition, their middle order may struggle for firepower. 

Their depth in bowling is another potential weakness. The pace attack, though varied, has suffered from injuries in the past. Riley Meredith, for example, has been prone to fitness setbacks, while Billy Stanlake has only featured in eight BBL matches since completing 12 matches during the 2020/21 season. If one of these frontline pacers is unavailable, the Hurricanes may lack an equally penetrative replacement to start the innings. 

The Sydney Thunder, on the other hand, enter BBL|15 with a refreshed yet experienced line-up, boasting a mix of global T20 superstars, Australian internationals, and an exciting young domestic talent pool.

The Thunder’s squad this season is rich in international pedigree and local power. Key players include former Australia vice-captain David Warner, dynamic all-rounder Daniel Sams, and English wicketkeeper-batter Sam Billings.

Moreover, the inclusion of Ravichandran Ashwin and Shadab Khan gave the Thunder a formidable spin arsenal, which would be further supported by leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha and captain Chris Green, but with Ashwin set to miss the season due to knee surgery, the bulk of the workload will fall on Sangha and Green’s shoulders, with Khan also set to miss parts of the current season.

In terms of weaknesses, the 2015/16 champions rely heavily on the likes of Warner, Billings, and Sams. If they’re unavailable or off-form, the rest of the squad may struggle to compensate, particularly in pressure situations.

Moreover, while Kiwi speedster Lockie Ferguson will be the de facto leader of the attack, others like Wes Agar and Nathan McAndrew have had mixed returns in previous BBL campaigns. If opposition batters target the seamers, the pressure may fall entirely on the spinners.

Looking ahead to this fixture, the Hobart Hurricanes walk into this game as the favourites. With a balanced squad of explosive batters, varied bowlers, and a tight-knit leadership group, they have the tools to compete at the highest level.

As far as the Sydney Thunder are concerned, despite global T20 heavyweights joining an already talented local core, their success will hinge on finding the right balance between flair and control.

Fantasy XI: Mitchell Owen, Ben McDermott (c), Sam Billings, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Daniel Sams (vc), Chris Green, Chris Jordan, Rishad Hossain, Lockie Ferguson, Tanvir Sangha 

Venue: Bellerive Oval, Hobart 
Winners Prediction: Hobart Hurricanes