Dominance defined Sydney Sixers’ path to the Big Bash League 2025-26 final after a resounding 57-run thrashing of Hobart Hurricanes in Friday’s Challenger at Sydney Cricket Ground. Steve Smith’s virtuoso 65 was the catalyst behind a towering 198 for 8, followed by a clinical bowling effort that sealed the deal ahead of the January 25 finale against Perth Scorchers.
Forced to bat first, Sixers’ innings ignited with openers Daniel Hughes (13, 10 balls) and Steve Smith notching 27 in three overs. Post-Hughes, Smith’s synergy with Josh Philippe yielded 64 explosive runs off 39 balls, cornerstone of the 91-run platform. Philippe scored 15 with boundaries.
Transitioning seamlessly, Smith and Moises Henriks accelerated with 29 off 16 balls, crossing 120. Smith’s masterful 65 (43 balls: 9 fours, 1 six) exemplified his return to form. Finishing touches came from Joel Davis (27) and Lachlan Shaw (21). Riley Meredith snared 3 for Hurricanes, matched by two each from Billy Stanlake and Rishad Hussain.
Target 199 loomed large for Hurricanes, whose top order crumbled. Mitchell Owen and Tim Ward’s 21-run opening stand ended abruptly, both out for 13, at 29 for 2. Ben McDermott’s 40 (26 balls, 3×4, 1×6) and Beau Webster’s 24 formed a 48-run rescue, but it was fleeting. Ben Dwarshuis’ 3 wickets spearheaded the collapse, with Mitchell Starc, Sean Abbott, and Joel Davis claiming two apiece, bundling Hurricanes for 141 in 17.2 overs.
Sixers’ comprehensive display signals strong title credentials.