In a high-octane Big Bash League showdown, Sydney Sixers crushed Hobart Hurricanes by 57 runs to secure their spot in the 2025-26 final. The match at Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday night will be remembered for Steve Smith’s masterful 65, which anchored a massive 198 for 8 and paved the way for a dominant bowling display.
Sent in to bat after losing the toss, Sixers openers Daniel Hughes (13 off 10) and Steve Smith started steadily, adding 27 in three overs. Smith then unleashed with Josh Philippe, their 64-run alliance off 39 balls featuring aggressive strokeplay that raced the score to 91. Philippe’s 15 came off crisp boundaries.
Undeterred, Smith partnered Moises Henriks for 29 quick runs in 16 balls, reaching 120 before holing out for a superb 65 (43 balls, 9×4, 1×6). Lower-order contributions from Joel Davis (27) and Lachlan Shaw (21) ensured a challenging total. Hurricanes’ Riley Meredith (3/??) toiled hard, with Billy Stanlake and Rishad Hussain grabbing two wickets apiece.
The chase unraveled early for Hurricanes. Mitchell Owen and Tim Ward managed just 21 in 1.5 overs, both dismissed for 13 as the score slipped to 29 for 2. Ben McDermott’s gritty 40 (26 balls, 3×4, 1×6) alongside Beau Webster’s 24 offered brief hope with a 48-run recovery. But Sydney’s attack, led by Ben Dwarshuis (3 wickets), Mitchell Starc (2), Sean Abbott (2), and Joel Davis (2), wrapped up the innings at 141 in 17.2 overs.
Sixers now gear up for Perth Scorchers in the final on January 25, riding high on this clinical performance that showcased their depth and Smith’s class.