Last Updated on 3 months ago by Charbel Coorey

There is a lot riding on this edition of the Sydney Smash. Sydney Thunder can’t qualify for the playoffs, but they have the chance to put a huge dent in the Sixers’ hopes. But, if the Sixers win, they could still qualify for the top two.

On paper, the Sixers hold all the aces. They now welcome back Mitchell Starc in addition to Steve Smith, and the left-arm fast bowler will be looking to make an impact right away. Also, the Sixers’ host of all-rounders and long batting lineup will be key.

The Thunder are coming off just their second win of their season after prevailing against Melbourne Renegades on Monday. Chris Green’s cameo was one of the highlights of their disappointing season, while Nic Maddinson’s contribution was a great story. Can they sign off their BBL 2025/26 campaign with a win?

BBL 2025/26 37th Match: SIX vs THU Possible Playing XIs

Mitchell Starc is in the Sixers squad, as is Daniel Hughes who has recovered from illness. Todd Murphy and Jordan Silk have not been named.

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

David Warner is in the Thunder squad but is no guarantee of playing in this match. He was struck on the knee against the Heat last Saturday. Also, Cameron Bancroft (injured) and David Willey (completed his BBL stint) are not available.

Sydney Thunder: 1. Matthew Gilkes, 2. David Warner/Blake Nikitaras, 3. Sam Konstas, 4. Ollie Davies, 5. Sam Billings (OS, wk), 6. Nic Maddinson, 7. Daniel Sams, 8. Chris Green, 9. Tom Andrews, 10. Ryan Hadley, 11. Wes Agar

Sydney Cricket Ground SCG Pitch Report and Weather

Bowlers have enjoyed proceedings so far at the SCG this season. In two completed matches, the average first innings score is 151.5. The chasing team won both games.

Pace bowlers have taken 21 wickets here in BBL 2025/26 at an average of 22.90 and economy of 8.22. Spinners have picked up seven wickets at an average of 16.71 and economy of 6.50.

There is a chance of rain around the match start time (7:15pm local). Hopefully there should be a completed match with mostly cloudy conditions forecast from 8pm onwards according to AccuWeather.

Fantasy Cricket Tips for SIX vs THU 2025/26: Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Top wicketkeeper picks:

• Josh Philippe smashed 96 (57) against Sydney Thunder earlier this season. Overall against the Thunder at the SCG, Philippe has scored 176 runs at an average of 25.1 and strike rate of 130.4.
• Sam Billings has scored 139 runs at an average of 69.5 and strike rate of 136.4 in BBL matches at the SCG. He has also smashed 33 off the last 12 balls against Ben Dwarshuis.

Key batter picks:

• In 15 BBL matches at the SCG, Steve Smith averages 72.1 with a strike rate of 155.6 with two centuries. He also has a terrific record against the Thunder with 205 runs at an average of 51.2 and strike rate of 144.4.
• If fit, David Warner is an automatic pick given his form, with scores of 130*, 67* and 82 in is past three matches. His only dismissal in this period is a run out.

Top allrounder picks:

• Jack Edwards took a five-wicket haul against Sydney Thunder in the previous meeting (5/26). Edwards has taken 7/50 in his last nine overs against the Thunder.
• Joel Davies took 3/26 in the same game and has been magnificent in BBL 2025/26. He has gone wicketless just once since December 17, taking figures of 1/3, 3/24, 2/16, 0/26, 2/19 and 2/15 in that period.

Key bowler picks:

• Mitchell Starc is back and will bowl in the crunch overs. He is a must-pick given his stature and confidence. He is also a captain/vice-captain option especially if the Sixers bowl first.
• Sean Abbott has taken 26 wickets in 20 innings against the Thunder. He strikes every 15.4 deliveries.
• Ben Dwarshuis has taken 20 wickets in 19 innings against Sydney Thunder at an average of 23.8 and strike rate of 18.6. Interestingly, he has taken 0/76 in his last seven overs vs Thunder, but he is an excellent wicket-taker.

Other Players to Consider for your Fantasy Cricket Teams

• Matthew Gilkes is the Thunder’s second-highest run-scorer this season (220) but he averages just 8.2 in four BBL matches at the SCG.
• Daniel Sams has been in the wickets this season but has been expensive. But, he offers fantasy value as a result. He has 15 wickets in 12 matches against the Sixers at an average of 23.2 and strike rate of 15.9.
• Wes Agar (2/23) bowled beautifully in the last match against the Melbourne Renegades. He can be a solid pick if the Thunder bowl first.
• Sam Curran won player of the match in the recent UAE ILT20 Final. He will likely bat in the top five and contribute some overs against a struggling Thunder team. He has a good record against David Warner in T20s: 58 balls, 60 runs, two wickets.

Other Stats and Important Matchups

• Head-to-head: Matches 28, Sixers 19, Thunder 8, N/R 2.
• At the SCG: Matches 13, Sixers 9, Thunder 3, N/R 1.
• Joel Davies has an economy rate of just 5.15 in 20 overs in BBL 2025/26.
• Daniel Sams vs Josh Philippe: 72 balls, 86 runs, three dismissals.
• Daniel Sams vs Moises Henriques: 25 balls, 34 runs, two dismissals.
• Chris Green vs Josh Philippe: 37 balls, 56 runs, two dismissals.
• Sean Abbott vs David Warner: 34 balls, 58 runs, one dismissal.
• Sean Abbott vs Ollie Davies: 13 balls, 16 runs, two dismissals.
• Sean Abbott vs Daniel Sams: 14 balls, 27 runs, two dismissals.
• Ben Dwarshuis vs David Warner: 26 balls, 22 runs, no dismissal.
• Ben Dwarshuis vs Sam Billings: 21 balls, 42 runs, one dismissal.

BBL 2025/26 37th Match: SIX vs THU 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 37th Match: SIX vs THU Match Prediction – Who will win?

Sixers to win.

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.