Last Updated on 4 months ago by Charbel Coorey

Sydney Thunder host Perth Scorchers in a match both teams need to win. They each have just one win, with the Thunder particularly disappointing in their last two defeats.

David Warner’s team have been thrashed by the Sydney Sixers (47 runs) and Melbourne Stars (nine wickets) in the last 10 days. The batting has only fired in their one victory (against Brisbane Heat), which was set up by a strong opening partnership. The Scorchers have had their bowling issues, so here is an opportunity for the hosts to perform.

Regarding the Scorchers, they too struggled to get going with the bat against Hobart Hurricanes on Boxing Day. Josh Inglis’ return is a welcome boost as more is required from their middle order. Also, the decision-making of skipper Ashton Turner is in the spotlight after opting to bowl Aaron Hardie at crucial moments against the Hurricanes last week.

BBL 2025/26 16th Match: THU vs SCO Possible Playing XIs

Shadab Khan has been selected in Pakistan’s T20I squad for the series against Sri Lanka. That three-match contest kicks off on January 7, so Shadab is still available for the Thunder. He has been named in the squad.

Sydney Thunder: 1. Sam Konstas, 2. Matt Gilkes, 3. David Warner, 4. Cameron Bancroft, 5. Sam Billings (OS, wk), 6. Shadab Khan (OS), 7. Daniel Sams, 8. Chris Green, 9. Ryan Hadley/Nathan McAndrew, 10. Tanveer Sangha, 11. Reece Topley (OS)

Josh Inglis is in the Scorchers squad. He could slot in at four and replace Nick Hobson in the XI.

Offspinner Corey Rocchiccioli is a chance of playing given spin is often a factor at this venue.

Perth Scorchers: 1. Mitchell Marsh, 2. Finn Allen (OS), 3. Cooper Connolly, 4. Josh Inglis (wk), 5. Aaron Hardie, 6. Ashton Turner (c), 7. Laurie Evans (OS), 8. Ashton Agar, 9. Joel Paris, 10. Brody Couch/Corey Rocchiccioli, 11. Mahli Beardman

ENGIE Stadium Sydney Showground Pitch Report and Weather

The average first innings score in the last five BBL matches is 162. Teams batting first have won four of these games.

Sydney Sixers hit 198/5 against the Thunder on December 20. It was a truer pitch compared to previous seasons.

Since the start of 2023, pace bowlers have taken 74 wickets at Sydney Showground at an average of 23.76 and economy of 8.05. Spinners have picked up 38 wickets at an average of 23.34 and economy of 6.82.

A partly cloudy day is forecast with only a very small chance of afternoon showers.

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

Top wicket-keeper picks:

• Finn Allen had a strike rate of 208.11 in two matches against the Thunder last season (77 runs). The Scorchers opener is in fine form so far this season: 3 inns, 138 runs, avg. 46.00, SR 200.
• Matt Gilkes is strking at 183.33 for his 132 runs in BBL 2025/26. He has picked up 258 Dream11 points.

Key batter picks:

• Between 2012 and 2021, Mitch Marsh struck 259 runs against the Thunder at an average of 64.75 and strike rate of 122.17. Is this the day he gets going in BBL 2025/26?
• Sam Konstas showed promising form two games ago against the Brisbane Heat. The Thunder opener struck a half-century against the Scorchers last season.

Top all-rounder picks:

• Cooper Connolly will have a central role to play especially on this ground. He has 142 runs (SR 189.33) and three wickets so far this season.
• Shadab Khan is one of four Thunder players with 100+ runs in BBL 2025/26. He is also their top wicket-taker with six at a strike rate of 15.

Key bowler picks:

• Joel Paris will fancy his matchup against Matt Gilkes, who averages just 15 against left-arm seam in all T20s.

Other Players to Consider for your Fantasy Cricket Teams

• Sam Billings has a fine career record against the Scorchers: 10 inns, 327 runs, avg. 36.33, SR 150.69.
• Ashton Agar has taken at least one wicket in five of his six matches at Sydney Showground Stadium (6 inns, 7 wickets, avg. 18.7, econ. 5.95).
• David Warner is the Thunder’s most experienced batsman. But, he hasn’t fired yet and there are question marks on whether he should bat at three. In six BBL innings on this ground, Warner has scored 151 runs at an average of 37.8 and strike rate of 133.6.
• Daniel Sams has a woeful record against the Scorchers, with just four wickets in 10 innings at an average of 70.00 and economy of 9.08.
• Aaron Hardie is struggling with bat (45 runs, avg. 15) and ball (1 wicket, avg. 104) this season. He remains an attractive fantasy pick as he often bats in the top five and bowls 2-3 overs, but keep in mind his poor form.
• Mahli Beardman was very impressive against the Hurricanes (1/25). He will be key against a very inconsistent Thunder batting lineup.
• Chris Green against Perth Scorchers: 14 inns, 16 wickets, avg. 19.38, econ. 7.02.

Other Stats and Important Matchups

• Head-to-head: Matches 20, Thunder 11, Scorchers 9.
• Thunder lead Scorchers 4-3 in seven meetings at this ground.
• Sam Billings has struggled at Sydney Showground Stadium: 8 inns, 123 runs, avg. 15.4, SR 103.4.
• Ashton Agar vs Sam Billings in all T20s: 35 balls, 52 runs, one wicket.
• Daniel Sams vs Finn Allen: 12 balls, 17 runs, one wicket.
• Daniel Sams vs Ashton Turner: 34 balls, 70 runs, three wickets.

BBL 2025/26 16th Match: THU vs SCO 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 16th Match: THU vs SCO Match Prediction – Who will win?

Thunder beat Scorchers by 61 runs on a turning pitch in January. But, this surface is expected to be truer, so I back the Scorchers to win with their more powerful batting lineup.

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.