Smith’s Blazing Knock Leads Sixers to BBL Final with 57-Run Win Over Hurricanes

January 25, 2026

Sydney Sixers secured a dominant 57-run victory against Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 Challenger match held at Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday. This win has propelled the Sixers into the final, where they will face Perth Scorchers on 25 January.

After losing the toss, Sydney Sixers chose to bat first and posted a competitive total of 198 runs for 8 wickets in the allotted overs. The opening pair of Daniel Hughes and Steve Smith got the innings off to a steady start with a 27-run partnership in the first three overs. Hughes contributed 13 runs off 10 balls before departing.

Steve Smith then combined with Josh Philippe to add 64 runs for the second wicket in 39 balls, taking the team’s score to 91. Philippe scored 15 runs, including two boundaries.

Smith continued his impressive form, partnering with Moises Henriques for a 29-run stand in just 16 balls, bringing the total to 120. Smith’s innings included 65 runs off 43 balls, featuring one six and nine fours, before he was dismissed.

Joel Davis and Lachlan Shaw then played crucial cameos of 27 and 21 runs respectively, helping Sixers reach a formidable total. From the Hurricanes’ bowling attack, Riley Meredith was the most successful with three wickets, while Billy Stanlake and Rishad Husain took two wickets each.

In response, Hobart Hurricanes were bowled out for 141 runs in 17.2 overs. The opening pair of Mitchell Owen and Tim Ward added 21 runs in 1.5 overs, with both batsmen scoring 13 and 13 runs respectively before getting out. The team quickly lost early wickets and was struggling at 29 runs.

Captain Ben McDermott then steadied the innings with Beau Webster, putting on a 48-run partnership for the third wicket. Webster scored 24 runs, while McDermott contributed 40 runs from 26 balls, including a six and three fours.

Ben Dwarshuis led the Sixers’ bowling attack by taking three wickets. Mitchell Starc, Sean Abbott, and Joel Davis chipped in with two wickets each to dismantle the Hurricanes’ batting lineup.

This comprehensive win confirms Sydney Sixers’ spot in the BBL final, setting up a high-stakes clash with Perth Scorchers later this month.