The Sydney Sixers stormed into the Big Bash League final with a123 commanding 57-run victory over Hobart Hurricanes at the Sydney Cricket Ground. After posting a formidable 198/8 in their 20 overs, the Sixers’ bowlers dismantled the Hurricanes, who were bowled out for just 141 in 17.2 overs.
Steve Smith anchored the Sixers’ innings with a brilliant 65 off 43 balls, while Joel Davies provided late fireworks with a quickfire 27 off 12 deliveries. The victory set up a sixth final showdown between the Sixers and Perth Scorchers, showcasing the Sixers’ dominance at their home ground, where they remain nearly unbeatable.
Match Summary
| Match Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Toss | Hobart Hurricanes won and elected to field |
| Venue | Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney |
| Match Winner | Sydney Sixers won by 57 runs |
| Player of the Match | Joel Davies |
| 1st Innings Score | Sydney Sixers: 198/8 (20 overs) |
| 2nd Innings Score | Hobart Hurricanes: 141 (17.2 overs) |
| Best Batsman (SYS) | Steven Smith – 65 (43) [4s-9, 6s-1] |
| Best Batsman (HBH) | Ben McDermott – 40 (26) [4s-3, 6s-1] |
| Best Bowler (HBH) | Riley Meredith – 3/52 (4 overs) |
| Best Bowler (SYS) | Ben Dwarshuis – 3/26 (3 overs) |
1st Innings: Sydney Sixers 198/8 (20 overs) – Smith Anchors Strong Total
| Category | Player | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Best Batsman | Steven Smith | 65 (43) – 9 fours, 1 six, SR: 151.16 |
| Best Bowler | Riley Meredith | 4-0-52-3, Economy: 13.00 |
Steve Smith’s masterclass guided the Sydney Sixers to a formidable total at the SCG. Opening the innings, Smith showcased his class with a measured yet aggressive knock of 65 off 43 balls, decorated with 9 boundaries and a six. His partnership with Daniel Hughes (13) laid the foundation before Josh Philippe (15) provided support in the middle overs. The Sixers activated their power surge in the 11th over, which yielded 20 runs as Smith reached his fifty in just 31 balls. Moises Henriques contributed a brisk 19 off 8 balls with explosive hitting before falling to Rishad Hossain.
The momentum shifted dramatically when Smith was bowled by Hossain for 65, attempting a switch-hit. Joel Davies then took center stage with a scintillating cameo, smashing 27 off just 12 balls with 2 fours and 2 sixes. Lachlan Shaw chipped in with 21 off 13, including 4 boundaries, as the Sixers plundered runs in the death overs. Riley Meredith was the pick of the Hurricanes bowlers with 3/52, while Billy Stanlake claimed 2/46. Despite the wickets, the Hurricanes struggled to contain the scoring rate on a fast, short-boundary outfield.
2nd Innings: Hobart Hurricanes 141 (17.2 overs) – Sixers Dominate with Complete Performance
| Category | Player | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Best Batsman | Ben McDermott | 40 (26) – 3 fours, 1 six, SR: 153.85 |
| Best Bowler | Ben Dwarshuis | 3-0-26-3, Economy: 8.67 |
The Hurricanes’ chase never gained momentum as the Sixers’ bowlers executed their plans to perfection. Mitchell Owen (13) and Tim Ward (13 off 8 with 2 sixes) provided a brief spark before Sean Abbott struck twice to reduce them to 29-1. The introduction of spin brought immediate rewards as Joel Davies claimed back-to-back wickets, dismissing Nikhil Chaudhary and Matthew Wade for a golden duck, leaving the Hurricanes reeling.
Ben McDermott fought valiantly with 40 off 26 balls, showcasing his class with 3 fours and a six, while Beau Webster tried to steady the ship with 24 off 27. However, regular wickets derailed any hopes of a successful chase. Mitchell Starc was economical with 2/29 in his 4 overs, while Ben Dwarshuis produced a devastating spell of 3/26. Will Prestwidge (19 off 13) and Chinelle Henry’s late resistance proved futile as the Hurricanes lost their last 7 wickets for just 53 runs. Jack Edwards fittingly ended the match by dismissing Rishad Hossain in the 18th over, sealing a comprehensive 57-run victory for the home side and booking their place in yet another BBL final against Perth Scorchers.
