- Perth Scorchers and Sixers to meet for sixth time in a BBL decider
Steve Smith once again owned the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), producing a trademark match-winning knock to propel Sydney Sixers into the BBL 15 Final with a commanding 57-run victory over Hobart Hurricanes in Friday (23) night’s Challenger. The result sets up a blockbuster title rematch against Perth Scorchers, the two most successful teams in Big Bash history.
Asked to bat first, the Sixers rode an electric 65 off 43 balls from Smith, whose authority at the top laid the platform for a daunting 8 for 198, their highest-ever BBL total against the Hurricanes. The Australian star was well supported by the next generation, with Joel Davies (27 off 12) and Lachlan Shaw (21 off 13) injecting late-innings firepower that pushed the home side beyond reach.
Chasing 199, Hobart showed early intent through Tim Ward’s opening over six, but the innings quickly unravelled under relentless pressure. Mitchell Starc struck early once again, while Ben Dwarshuis (3-26) and Davies (2-17) ripped through the middle order to leave the Hurricanes in disarray. Stand-in captain Ben McDermott’s 40 off 26 was the lone resistance before Starc returned to remove him, sealing the contest as Hobart were bowled out for 141 in the 18th over.
The Sixers’ bowling effort was ruthless and disciplined, exploiting Hobart’s weakened lineup in the absence of injured skipper Nathan Ellis. Riley Meredith’s three wickets came at a heavy cost, while the Hurricanes’ attack struggled to contain Smith, conceding multiple 20-run overs during the death phase.
Smith’s innings was a masterclass in placement and tempo. Mining the fine third region and piercing the infield with precision, he struck nine fours and brought up his half-century with a trademark cut shot. His dismissal, attempting a switch-hit during the Power Surge, did little to detract from another defining BBL performance, his fifth top score in as many matches this season.
The victory sends the Sixers into their sixth BBL Final against the Scorchers, with Perth holding a narrow 3–2 edge in previous deciders. The Scorchers also defeated the Sixers twice this season at Optus Stadium, including last week’s Qualifier, adding extra spice to Sunday’s showdown.
For Sydney, the chance to lift a third BBL title now rests on one more performance. For Perth, history beckons with an unprecedented sixth championship on the line. With Steve Smith in this kind of form, the stage is set for another classic chapter in the BBL’s greatest rivalry.
Final: Perth Scorchers v Sydney Sixers, Optus Stadium (Sunday, January 25, 7.15pm AEDT)
*A reserve day on Monday, January 26 (7.15pm AEDT) is available for the Final
