Sydney Thunder vs Sydney Sixers: A Crucial Clash in BBL 2025-26
Exciting Showdown in Sydney
The city of Sydney is gearing up for an exciting encounter as the local rivalry heats up in the Big Bash League 2025-26. The much-anticipated match between the Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder is set to take place on Saturday, December 20, at the Sydney Showground Stadium.
Both teams are eager to secure their first victory of the season, adding extra significance to this matchup. The Thunder faced a heartbreaking defeat in their opening game against the Hobart Hurricanes, losing on the final ball.
Conversely, the Sydney Sixers, who have won the championship three times, have struggled at the start of this season, losing both of their initial matches. Their net run rate has also taken a hit, currently sitting at a disappointing -0.616.
With both sides desperate for a win, the stakes are high in this local derby. A victory at the Sydney Showground Stadium could boost morale, while another defeat would only increase the pressure as the BBL 2025-26 progresses.
Match Preview: Sydney Thunder vs Sydney Sixers – 7th BBL 2025-26 Match
Match: Sydney Thunder vs Sydney Sixers
Date: December 20, 2025
Time: 1:45 pm IST / 8:15 am GMT / 7:15 pm Local
Venue: Sydney Showground Stadium, Sydney
Series: Big Bash League 2025-26
Head-to-Head Record:
Matches Played: 27
Sydney Thunder Wins: 8
Sydney Sixers Wins: 18
No Result/Tied: 2
Weather Forecast:
The Sydney Derby has often been affected by rain, but the weather for the 7th match of the BBL 2025-26 is expected to be favorable. Saturday evening is predicted to be pleasant with partly cloudy skies.
Temperatures are anticipated to be comfortable, ranging from 25 to 27°C, with humidity levels around 58 percent, creating an enjoyable atmosphere for fans and players alike at the Sydney Showground Stadium.
Pitch Analysis:
Batting at the Sydney Showground Stadium has historically posed challenges, as evidenced by the statistics. The pitch tends to be slow, making powerful hitting difficult. Batters often find it hard to time the ball effectively due to the soft and spongy bounce.
Consequently, scoring runs at this venue is quite challenging, with first-innings totals typically hovering between 145 and 155. Fast bowlers have thrived in these conditions, averaging 20.37 runs per wicket, while spinners have struggled with an average of 25.57 runs per wicket. Overall, strategic bowling and cautious batting are crucial for success at the Sydney Showground Stadium.
Squads:
Sydney Sixers: Daniel Hughes, Babar Azam, Josh Philippe (wk), Moises Henriques (c), Jordan Silk, Jack Edwards, Jafer Chohan, Todd Murphy, Kane Richardson, Joel Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Hayden Kerr, Mitchell Perry, Lachlan Shaw
Sydney Thunder: Sam Konstas, David Warner (c), Matthew Gilkes, Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings (wk), Shadab Khan, Reece Topley, Tanveer Sangha, Blake Nikitaras, Daniel Sams, Chris Green, Nathan McAndrew, Tom Andrews, Ryan Hadley
Predicted Playing XIs:
Sydney Thunder: Sam Konstas, David Warner (c), Matthew Gilkes, Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings (wk), Shadab Khan, Daniel Sams, Chris Green, Nathan McAndrew, Tanveer Sangha, Reece Topley
Sydney Sixers: Babar Azam, Daniel Hughes, Moises Henriques (c), Josh Philippe (wk), Jordan Silk, Jack Edwards, Ben Dwarshuis, Hayden Kerr, Joel Davies, Mitchell Perry, Kane Richardson