The Challenger takes centre stage on Friday night at the SCG as the Sydney Sixers host the Hobart Hurricanes, with the winner earning a trip west to face the Scorchers in Sunday night’s Grand Final and the loser sent home. After a finals series already full of twists, this shapes as a fascinating clash between a wounded heavyweight and a Hurricanes side that has found ways to survive.
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Big Bash League (BBL15) The Challenger - Sixers vs Hurricanes Betting Tips
SCG, Friday 23rd January, 7:15pm AEDT
Sydney Sixers
The Sixers arrive at the Challenger with a slightly different look following confirmation that Babar Azam has departed the squad to link up with Pakistan ahead of the T20 World Cup. His absence removes a major talking point after a difficult Qualifier, and Daniel Hughes is the most likely replacement at the top of the order, giving the Sixers a more familiar domestic feel. Hughes’ ability to rotate strike and absorb pressure could be valuable on a typically slower SCG surface, particularly with Steve Smith set to anchor the innings.
That said, the batting collapse in Perth has still forced broader conversations around balance through the middle order. The Sixers were excellent with the ball in the Qualifier, restricting the Scorchers to a manageable total, but only Smith stood up in the chase as they were bundled out for 99. With Babar gone, there is scope for further reshuffling, with Lachlan Shaw or Joel Davies under pressure and experienced options such as Jordan Silk or Hayden Kerr potentially asked to play a bigger role. The extra breathing space between games should allow the Sixers to settle on a combination that better supports Smith and gives their bowling effort something to work with.
Hobart Hurricanes
The Hurricanes advance after a dramatic, rain affected Knockout win in Hobart that summed up their season. Batting first in a shortened 10 over contest, they posted a competitive 5 for 114, with Beau Webster providing late fireworks to lift the total. Further rain reduced the Stars’ chase to 85 from seven overs, and while Melbourne pushed them right to the edge, disciplined bowling, particularly from Riley Meredith, saw Hobart cling on for a three run win.
It was another reminder that the Hurricanes are hanging tough, even if momentum and energy levels are starting to look thin. Nathan Ellis is expected to return if fit, likely replacing Billy Stanlake, but wholesale changes seem unlikely given the stakes.
Match Prediction
The Hurricanes were a touch fortunate to escape Hobart and have looked to be running on fumes for a little while now, with the absence of Tim David continuing to loom large in tight games. Ellis would be a big inclusion, but questions remain over his fitness and workload.
On the other side, the Sixers simply have too much class to stay quiet for long. A potential middle order tweak should stabilise things, and with match winners spread through the top and tail, their ceiling remains extremely high.
Ultimately, this looks set up for a Sixers response. Steve Smith has been the form player of the finals series and arguably the competition since returning, and the SCG suits his ability to control chases and big moments. If the Sixers get even a modest contribution from Huges/Philippe or the middle order, they should have enough to overpower a Hurricanes side that has lived on the edge for several games now. Back Sydney to regroup, control the big moments, and book a Grand Final date in Perth.
Sixers to Win
$1.72 (2.5 Units)
BBL Sixers vs Hurricanes Prop Bet
From a player prop perspective, it is hard to go past Steve Smith again. He has top scored for the Sixers in every game since returning from international duty this season and continues to look a clear class above the rest of the field. In a do or die contest with everything on the line, Smith shapes as the safest and strongest individual play on the board.
Smith top Sixers runscorer
$2.75
