Last Updated on 2 weeks ago by Charbel Coorey

Two sides who had aspirations of lifting the BBL 2025/26 title meet in the Challenger. Sydney Sixers were thrashed in Perth courtesy of a dismal batting display, and must recover quickly back at home. Hobart Hurricanes prevailed in a thrilling, rain-affected encounter against the Melbourne Stars two nights ago, and will be seeking to catch the Sixers off guard.

In big news, Babar Azam has left the BBL to return to Pakistan in preparation for their upcoming international commitments. The Sixers will be after a strong start on an SCG pitch that has offered assistance for the pace bowlers upfront. Also, they couldn’t deliver as a bowling unit in Perth, so this is an area for improvement as well.

Defending champions Hurricanes have suffered a blow with Nathan Ellis ruled out of the tournament with hamstring tightness. So, can Mitchell Owen deliver the kind of knock he is capable of? He has shown glimpses throughout the season without playing the match-defining innings. If it comes here, the Hurricanes could very well be on their way to Perth for the final.

BBL 2025/26 Challenger: SIX vs HUR Possible Playing XIs

Daniel Hughes and Jordan Silk are in the Sixers squad. Hughes could open alongside Steve Smith with the impressive Lachlan Shaw to retain his place in the middle order.

Mitchell Starc is in some doubt due to a shoulder concern he picked up while attempting a diving catch against the Scorchers.

“Sometimes with these types of injuries, they can get worse once you cool down,” Sixers captain Moises Henriques said, as quoted by ABC News.

Sydney Sixers: 1. Daniel Hughes, 2. Steve Smith, 3. Josh Philippe (wk), 4. Moises Henriques (c), 5. Lachlan Shaw, 6. Joel Davies, 7. Jack Edwards, 8. Ben Manenti, 9. Ben Dwarshuis, 10. Mitchell Starc, 11. Sean Abbott

“Hobart Hurricanes can confirm that skipper Nathan Ellis will miss the remainder of the BBL season and the BBL15 finals due to hamstring tightness,” read the Hurricanes statement, as reported by ESPNcricinfo.

Also, Chris Jordan is in doubt after he didn’t take the field in the Eliminator.

Hobart Hurricanes: 1. Mitchell Owen, 2. Tim Ward, 3. Beau Webster, 4. Ben McDermott (c), 5. Nikhil Chaudhary, 6. Matthew Wade (wk), 7. Chris Jordan/Mac Wright, 8. Will Prestwidge, 9. Rishad Hossain, 10. Billy Stanlake, 11. Riley Meredith

SCG Pitch Report and Weather

The average first innings score in completed matches this season is 164. The chasing team won all three times, and quite comfortably as well.

Expect the captain who wins the toss to bowl. The SCG surfaces have offered assistance for the pace bowlers early, but it’s the spinners who have enjoyed the better average and economy rate.

Pace bowlers have taken 29 wickets at an average of 27.24 and economy of 9.11 on this ground in BBL 2025/26. Spinners have picked up 10 wickets at an average of 21.50 and economy of 6.72.

A clear evening is forecast with a modest temperature in the low 20s.

Fantasy Cricket Tips for SIX vs HUR BBL 2025/26 Challenger: Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Top wicketkeeper picks:

• Since scoring 96 against the Thunder on 20 December, Josh Philippe has scored just 83 runs in his next seven innings. He has enjoyed past success against the Hurricanes at the SCG between 2019 and 2022, scoring 208 runs at an average of 69.3 and strike rate of 169.1.

Key batter picks:

• Steve Smith is a must-pick given his form and prowess in the BBL. In 16 BBL innings at the SCG, Smith has belted 749 runs at an average of 74.9 and strike rate of 163.2. This includes a 42-ball 100 in his last match here.
• Nikhil Chaudhary is the Hurricanes’ leading run-scorer in BBL 2025/26 with 303 at a strike rate of 155.38. He has struck 17 sixes this season, and sits in the top five in the league.

Top all-rounder picks:

• Jack Edwards has been crucial for the Sixers with the ball the season (most wickets with 17). His role becomes even more important with Sam Curran no longer available.
• Mitchell Owen struggles against left-arm pace (see below) but he has huge fantasy cricket potential. He has smashed 69 runs off 32 balls in two matches against the Sixers.
• Beau Webster bats in the top order and is coming off a crucial 26-ball 47 in the last match.
• Joel Davies has taken 12 wickets this season at an economy of 5.80. At the SCG this season, the left-arm spinner has figures of 2/13 off 11 deliveries.

Key bowler picks:

• Mitchell Starc has a fantastic matchup against Mitchell Owen. Owen has been dismissed 17 times by left-arm pace in all T20s at an average of 13.9.
• Riley Meredith has picked up seven wickets in his last three completed matches. Even in the washed out match against the Sixers on 11 January, Meredith troubled the openers.

Other Players to Consider for your Fantasy Cricket Teams

• Ben McDermott also offers value among the wicketkeeper picks as he bats up the order. However, he has an underwhelming record against the Sixers, averaging 20.6 with a strike rate of 115.1 in 10 innings. He hasn’t scored a fifty against them yet.
• Sean Abbott has struggled for rhythm in recent games, but he is worth considering from a fantasy cricket perspective. He’s picked up 18 wickets in 13 matches against the Hurricanes (SR 14.3) and has 80 BBL wickets in 47 matches at the SCG (12.2).
• Spinners have fared well at the SCG, which provides Rishad Hossain with an opportunity to perform here. He has the second-most wickets for the Hurricanes this season (13).

Other Stats and Important Matchups

• Head-to-head: Matches 22, Sixers 9, Hurricanes 11, N/R 2.
• At SCG: Matches 9, Sixers 4, Hurricanes 3, N/R 2.
• Mitchell Owen against left-arm seam in 2026: nine balls, 16 runs, three wickets..
• Riley Meredith vs Josh Philippe: 37 balls, 46 runs, one wicket.
• Riley Meredith vs Daniel Hughes: 19 balls, 24 runs, one wicket.
• Ben Dwarshuis vs Mitchell Owen: 12 balls, 28 runs, no wickets.
• Sean Abbott vs Ben McDermott: 39 balls, 46 runs, two wickets.

BBL 2025/26 Challenger: SIX vs HUR Dream11 Prediction Today

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.

Option 1:

Option 2:

BBL 2025/26 Challenger: SIX vs HUR Match Prediction – Who will win?

This has the makings of a classic. Sydney Sixers at home will prevail in a close game with Steve Smith playing a vital role.

Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes for Dream11 free contests in line with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The stats and writer’s views are in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.

All statistics and matchups in this article have been verified by ESPNcricinfo, Bigbashboard and Cricmetric.