BBL 2025/26 | Match 31: Sydney Sixers vs Hobart Hurricanes | Preview and Predictions

Sydney Sixers will take on Hobart Hurricanes in Match 31 of the ongoing 2025/26 Big Bash League at Sydney Cricket Ground on 11th January 2026. 

Two teams – both in red hot form – collide in this contest with the Sydney Sixers coming into this fixture on a three-match winning run while table-toppers Hobart Hurricanes have won four of their last five matches. 

Here, we present our preview and predictions for Match 31 between the Sixers and the Hurricanes. 

BBL 15 Match 31: Sixers vs Hurricanes | 08:35 IST, January 11, 2026

Once languishing near the foot of the table, three straight victories has seen Moises Henriques’ side jump within a win off the top-two spots as a victory against the Hurricanes can draw them level on points with Melbourne Stars in second. 

The batting unit has been inconsistent throughout the campaign. Josh Philippe is the only batter who has looked confident in the middle and leads the run-scoring chart with 231 runs in seven outings. The likes of Babar Azam and Daniel Hughes at the top have chipped in with a couple of decent individual outings while skipper Henriques and Jordan Silk have flattered to deceive. Thus, the addition of Steven Smith and Sam Curran for this final stretch of fixtures will give them a lot of confidence. 

The bowling attack has really started to click, especially since the arrival of experienced campaigner Sean Abbott. All-rounder Jack Edwards is having the season of his life with already 14 wickets and 92 runs against his name. Meanwhile, both Ben Dwarshuis and Joel Davis have been brilliant in recent games, however, they will still feel the heat against a strong Hurricanes batting lineup. 

Speaking of Hobart Hurricanes, Nathan Ellis’ team has all but confirmed their spot as one of the front-runners for the 2025/26 BBL title. Six wins in eight games sees them sit four points clear off teams placed third or below. Another win should confirm their place in the top-two, however, they’d certainly like to keep this momentum going heading into the playoffs. 

Tim Ward and Mitchell Owen have been giving them electrifying starts at the top, while both Nikhil Chaudhary and Ben McDermott have provided stability and control through the middle overs. However, Matthew Wade returning to form and small cameos from the lower order has helped them navigate the death overs despite missing Tim David for the majority of the season. 

In the bowling department, it has been a team effort so far with two-to-three bowlers delivering for them every single player even if someone has an off day. Nathan Ellis and Rishad Hossain top the wicket-takers column with 12 and 11 wickets, respectively. That said, the team would want death bowlers Chris Jordan and Riley Meredith to provide more breakthroughs. 

In terms of weather forecast and pitch report, conditions are expected to be overcast throughout the day. The wicket here at the SCG hasn’t been easy to bat on this season, as the two-pace nature restricts batters to play with their natural instinct. Moreover, setting a competitive score has proven to be difficult as evident from the two matches played here this season. Expect the team winning the toss to field first. 

Looking ahead to this fixture, this is a tough one to call, especially given how good they’ve been over the last five games. The Sixers are vulnerable with the bat but their bowling attack has improved considerably. However, the Hurricanes batting attack should have the answers in a tricky wicket against the Sixers attack. Thus, we are backing the Hobart Hurricanes to register their seventh win this season. 

Fantasy XI: Steven Smith, Tim Ward, Josh Philippe, Nikhil Chaudhary, Ben McDermott, Sam Curran, Chris Jordan, Sean Abbott (vc), Nathan Ellis (c), Rishad Hossain, Ben Dwarshuis 

Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney 

Winners Prediction: Hobart Hurricanes