Sydney Sixers and Hobart Hurricanes will take on each other in the ongoing Big Bash League 2025-26 (BBL 2025-26) challenger at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), Sydney on Friday, January 23, 2026 at 01:45 PM IST.
The winner of the BBL Challenger will qualify for the final, while the loser’s campaign will effectively end at the SCG on Friday. This article provides details about the playing 11 of Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Sixers for the upcoming Challenger match.
Sydney Sixers Playing XI vs Hobart Hurricanes – Challenger, BBL 2025-26:
Openers: Daniel Hughes, Steve Smith
It will be a do-or-die game for both the teams, and Sydney Sixers will not let go of their second chance to make it to the BBL 2025-26 final, having suffered a crushing defeat in the qualifiers against Perth Scorchers. Daniel Hughes is making a comeback after Babar Azam was released from Pakistan duty.
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Babar was underperforming at the top, and now, with a new opening pair of in-form Australian batsman Steve Smith and Daniel Hughes, Sydney Sixers will aim to make a quick and emphatic start against Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League 2025-26 Challenger.
Smith will be the Sixers’ biggest asset, as he has already scored 173 runs in just three matches at a strike rate of 176.53, and he would love to continue his fine form against the Hurricanes as well. On the other hand, Hughes, who has scored 141 runs in 6 matches this season, will be aiming to make a big contribution on his return.
Middle-order batsmen and all-rounders: Josh Philippe (wicketkeeper), Moises Henriques (captain), Jordan Silk, Lachlan Shaw, Jack Edwards.
Josh Philippe, who has scored 253 runs in 11 matches so far, will have a big responsibility on his shoulders. Apart from his wicketkeeping, the Sixers would love to see Phillips’ fearless hitting at the crucial number three against the Hurricanes in the Challenger.
Sydney Sixers captain and star all-rounder Moises Henriques and Lachlan Shaw will strengthen the middle-order for Sydney Sixers. Jordan Silk will be expected to step up in the middle order as the Sixers aim to book a ticket to the BBL 15 final.
Well, Jack Edwards has created a sensation with the ball, taking 17 wickets in 11 matches, but in the Challenger, the all-rounder is expected to contribute with the bat for the Sixers as well, having played some impressive innings earlier in the tournament.
Bowlers: Joel Davis, Mitchell Starc, Ben Manenti, Ben Dwarshuis
Ben Manenti and Joel Davis will lead the Sixers’ spin attack in the BBL Challenger against Hobart at the SCG, where Smith is also likely to try his hand. Mitchell Starc and Ben Dwarshuis will take charge of the fast bowling department in the important match.
Since the SCG is spin-friendly, the Sixers bowlers need to strike and take early wickets to put pressure on the Men in Purple to make a strong claim for the BBL 2025-26 final.
Hobart Hurricanes Playing XI vs Sydney Sixers – Challenger, BBL 2025-26:
Openers: Mitchell Owen, Tim Ward
Hobart Hurricanes opening batsmen Tim Ward and Mitchell Owen both have not been consistent in this Big Bash League season but with the final spot now at stake, they are expected to step up and provide good starts against the Sixers in the Challenger at the SCG. Both the openers have scored more than 150 runs so far.
Middle-order batsmen and all-rounders: Beau Webster, Ben McDermott, Nikhil Chaudhary and Matthew Wade (wicketkeeper).
Australian all-rounder Beau Webster and senior wicketkeeper Matthew Wade are expected to play a big role for Hobart in this important game. Webster, who bowls both off-spin and pace, has been in sensational form with the bat, and will be aiming to extend his form in the Challenger.
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Left-handed Wade will also have to step up with the bat, while Ben McDermott and Nikhil Chaudhary have already performed well for the Hurricanes and all eyes will be on the duo in the BBL Challenger. While McDermott has over 280 runs to his name, Choudhary has been sensational with the bat, scoring over 300 runs so far in the tournament.
Since the SCG surface is expected to favor spinners, the Australian leg spinner is expected to play a key role against the Sixers. Tim Ward’s off-spin could also be used by the title-winning Hurricanes in the 2024-25 season.
Bowlers: Chris Jordan, Nathan Ellis, Billy Stanlake, Rishad Hussain, Riley Meredith
Captain Nathan Ellis will lead the pace attack comprising Billy Stanlake, Riley Meredith and Chris Jordan, while Rishad Hussain will look after the spin department. Ellis, who has already taken 14 wickets in 9 matches at an average of 21.28 and an economy of 9.03, will play a key role against the Sixers.
Hussain (13 wickets in 11 matches) is expected to make the most of the SCG surface to trouble the batsmen and provide early success for the Hurricanes. Riley Meredith, Billy Stanlake and Chris Jordan provide variety to the passing attack. However, Hobart need Stanlake to step up and perform well in this important game as they aim to appear in their fourth BBL final.
