Sydney Sixers stormed into the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 final with a commanding 57-run victory over Hobart Hurricanes in the Challenger match at Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday. Steve Smith’s blistering innings proved decisive as the Sixers set a formidable total and then dismantled the Hurricanes’ batting lineup.
Opting to bowl first after losing the toss, Hobart Hurricanes watched helplessly as Sydney Sixers racked up 198 for 8 in their 20 overs. The opening stand between Daniel Hughes and Steve Smith laid a solid foundation with 27 runs in just three overs. Hughes fell for 13 off 10 balls, but Smith took charge alongside Josh Philippe, forging a crucial 64-run partnership off 39 balls that propelled the score to 91.
Philippe contributed a quick 15 with two boundaries before departing. Smith then teamed up with Moises Henriks for another brisk 29 runs in 16 balls, pushing the total past 120. The Australian star’s knock of 65 off 43 balls, featuring nine fours and a six, was the standout performance. Joel Davis (27) and Lachlan Shaw (21) provided late fireworks to swell the scoreline.
Riley Meredith led the Hurricanes’ bowling with 3 wickets, supported by Billy Stanlake and Rishad Hussain with two each. Chasing 199, Hobart Hurricanes collapsed to 141 all out in 17.2 overs. Openers Mitchell Owen and Tim Ward added only 21 runs before both fell for 13 apiece, leaving the team reeling at 29 for 2.
Captain Ben McDermott fought valiantly with 40 off 26 balls, including three fours and a six, in a 48-run stand with Beau Webster (24). But the Sixers’ bowlers struck relentlessly. Ben Dwarshuis claimed 3 wickets, while Mitchell Starc, Sean Abbott, and Joel Davis picked up two each. The emphatic win sets up a mouthwatering final clash against Perth Scorchers on January 25.