The Sydney Smash takes centre stage on Saturday night as the Thunder host the Sixers at ENGIE Stadium, with both sides desperate to kickstart their BBL campaigns. Between them, the two Sydney rivals are winless through three combined games, making this an early season clash loaded with urgency despite still being in the early stages of the season.
BBL15 Thunder vs Sixers Betting Tips
Gabba, Friday 19th December, 7:15pm AEDT
Sydney Thunder
Squad: David Warner, Tom Andrews, Wes Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings, Ollie Davies, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Gilkes, Ryan Hadley, Shadab Khan, Sam Konstas, Nic Maddinson, Nathan McAndrew, Blake Nikitaras, Aidan O'Connor, Daniel Sams, Tanveer Sangha, Reece Topley
The Thunder opened their season with a narrow loss to the Hurricanes, a game that summed up both their upside and their current frustrations. Batting first, they posted a competitive 6 for 180, built around Cameron Bancroft’s composed 61 off 44 balls at the top of the order. Shadab Khan also made a timely contribution down the order with 34 off 24, helping the Thunder finish strongly after a solid platform.
The issue came with the ball. Outside of young leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha, who impressed with figures of 1 for 26 from four overs, the bowling lacked control and bite. Every other Thunder bowler conceded at least 8.25 runs per over, allowing Hobart to chase the target with one ball to spare. On the injury front, Sam Konstas suffered an elbow knock in the opener, and with David Warner potentially returning, it shapes as a straight swap at the top. The Thunder will back their attack to respond far better than it did in that opening outing.
Sydney Sixers
Squad: Sean Abbott, Babar Azam, Jafer Chohan, Sam Curran Joel Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Moises Henriques, Daniel Hughes, Hayden Kerr, Ben Manenti, Todd Murphy, Mitch Perry, Josh Philippe, Kane Richardson, Lachlan Shaw, Jordan Silk, Steve Smith
The Sixers find themselves in unfamiliar territory, staring at an 0–2 start after back-to-back losses to the Scorchers and Strikers. Against Adelaide on Wednesday night, they made 9 for 159 batting first, with Josh Philippe’s 46 off 28 at number three the standout contribution. Star recruit Babar Azam is yet to make an impact, failing to reach double figures in either game so far, leaving the Sixers searching for stability at the top.
With the ball, Jack Edwards was the pick, claiming 2 for 27 from his four overs, but the total was never quite enough to apply real pressure. The Strikers chased it down with five balls to spare, seven wickets down. Sean Abbott is a chance to return from a hamstring issue, which would be a welcome boost, but aside from his potential inclusion, the Sixers are unlikely to make sweeping changes as they look to rediscover rhythm.
Match Prediction
Despite the Thunder’s opening loss, this feels like a strong opportunity for them to bounce back. Their batting showed enough against Hobart to suggest they can put up or chase winning scores, and their bowling unit is far more talented than what was on display in that first game. A sharper showing from the seamers alongside Sangha could quickly change the narrative.
The potential inclusion of David Warner is a significant factor and should lift both the batting and the overall energy of the side. The Sixers are a dangerous opponent even at 0–2, but with Babar still searching for form and confidence slightly fragile, the Thunder look well placed at home. Add in the fact Sydney Thunder dominated this matchup the last time these two met, and the lean is Thunder to win the Sydney Smash and get their season moving.
Thunder to win
$2.00 (1.5 Units)
BBL Thunder vs Sixers Prop Bet
Babar Azam unders shapes as a strong player prop for the Sydney Smash. He has looked uncomfortable in the opening two games of the season, making scores of 2 and 9 while struggling to judge pace and bounce on Australian surfaces. Batting up the order against a Thunder attack that can apply early pressure, and with confidence clearly dented, this feels like a spot where another modest return is more likely than a breakout innings.
Azam under 24.5 runs
$1.98
