Sydney Sixers have booked their place in the Big Bash League final with a commanding 57-run victory over the Hobart Hurricanes at the SCG.
Anchored by a classy half-century from Steven Smith and a breakout all-round performance from Joel Davies, the Sixers posted an imposing total of 198 before dismantling the Hurricanes’ chase. The victory sets up a heavyweight title decider against the Perth Scorchers at Optus Stadium—the sixth time these two rivals will meet in a BBL final.
Match Summary
- Sydney Sixers: 198 for 8 (Smith 65, Davies 27, Meredith 3-52)
- Hobart Hurricanes: 141 all out (McDermott 40, Dwarshuis 3-26, Davies 2-20)
- Result: Sydney Sixers won by 57 runs
Sixers Batting: Smith Anchors, Young Guns Finish
Steven Smith continued his golden run of form, top-scoring with 65 off 43 balls. He capitalized early, striking his first boundary in the second over and reaching his fifty off just 31 deliveries.
At 120 for 2 after 12 overs, the Sixers looked set for a total well in excess of 200. However, the Hurricanes’ spin contingent dragged the game back. Rishad Hossain (2-33) removed Smith—who missed a reverse switch hit—and Moises Henriques in the same over during the Power Surge.
Despite the wobble, the Sixers’ youthful middle order regained momentum.
- Joel Davies struck a punchy 27 off 12 balls.
- Lachlan Shaw contributed 21 off 13 balls.
- Together, they added 48 off 25 balls, ensuring the hosts set a daunting target of 199.
Hurricanes Chase: Starc’s Pace and Davies’ Brilliance
The Hurricanes’ title defence crumbled early under pressure from the Sixers’ attack.
- Mitchell Starc was lethal, clocking speeds up to 149kph. He removed Mitchell Owen early and induced a regulation edge from Beau Webster, which was uncharacteristically dropped by Smith at slip.
- Beau Webster struggled to find rhythm, laboring to 24 off 27 balls. His frustration was palpable, culminating in a heated on-field exchange with teammate Matthew Wade regarding field placements.
The Joel Davies Show The match belonged to young Joel Davies, whose contributions in the field extinguished any hope of a Hurricanes comeback.
- With the ball: He delivered a fine spell of left-arm spin.
- In the field: He took a spectacular full-length diving return catch to dismiss Matthew Wade and later took a superb catch in the deep to remove stand-in captain Ben McDermott (40).
The Hurricanes eventually collapsed for 141, with Ben Dwarshuis (3-26) cleaning up the tail.
Talking Points
- World Cup Watch: Smith’s 65 has added fuel to the debate regarding Australia’s T20 World Cup squad. While the top order is seemingly locked, Smith remains a compelling contingency option should injuries strike before the January 31 deadline.
- Hurricanes’ Campaign: The loss ends a disappointing title defense for Hobart. Despite a crafty spell from Nikhil Chaudhary (0-18 off 4 overs) and Rishad’s wickets, the team struggled with consistency and internal friction in the field.
Up Next: The Final
The Sydney Sixers travel to Perth to face the Perth Scorchers at Optus Stadium on Sunday. It is a fitting finale between the competition’s two most successful franchises.
No mercy shown! 🏏💥 The Sydney Sixers put on a masterclass with both bat and ball to book their ticket to the Big Bash League Final. Next stop: Glory. 🏆 #smashemsixers #BBL15 #FinalBound pic.twitter.com/gpekbIq7yP
— CricNetworks (@cricnetworks) January 23, 2026
