BBL 2025-26: Match 37, SIX vs THU Match Prediction – Who will win today’s BBL match between Sydney Sixers vs Sydney Thunder?

Published - 15 Jan 2026, 17:26 IST | Updated - 15 Jan 2026, 18:13 IST

The Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 has reached the business end of the tournament, but the action for the Sydney Derby is set to keep the cricket fans glued when Sydney Sixers (SIX) host Sydney Thunder (THU) in the Match No. 37 on Friday, January 16 at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground.

The last spot for the knockouts is up for grabs, and Sydney Sixers will definitely not want to miss out on progressing themselves further in the tournament. The game on Friday will be a virtual qualifier match for their chances in the future stages of the event, as a loss is likely to eliminate them from the competition. As a result, the Moises Henriques-led side will want to enter the encounter all guns blazing.

Sydney Thunder, on the other hand, are playing a dead rubber contest, since they are already knocked out of the race for the playoffs. They will be welcoming skipper David Warner back into the set-up, who had missed the previous game, where Sam Billings led the side during a rare win against Melbourne Renegades. While they have no personal gains, Thunder would want to spoil the party for the Sixers.

The Sydney Cricket Ground, or the SCG, in Sydney is among the most historic landmarks in cricketing history. It has been a regular venue for the Sydney Derby games in the BBL, and has hosted 80 matches in the league's history thus far. The majority of the games have seen the chasing team emerging out victorious, as the pitch gets better to bat once the cracks open up. The pitch is also quite helpful for spinners, and they are likely to play a part in the upcoming contest.

Steven Smith, Babar Azam, Josh Philippe (wicketkeeper), Moises Henriques (captain), Sam Curran, Lachlan Shaw, Jack Edwards, Mitchell Starc, Joel Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Sean Abbott

Matthew Gilkes, Sam Konstas, David Warner (captain), Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings (wicketkeeper), Nic Maddinson, Daniel Sams, David Willey, Chris Green, Tom Andrews, Wes Agar

In seven innings with the bat this BBL season, experienced top-order batter David Warner has shown tremendous form. With the help of his marauding blade, the 39-year-old has aggregated 323 runs at a sensational average of 64.60, and is also the third-highest run-getter of the competition at the moment. He will like to carry the form as the Thunder end their season.

After having an absolutely enjoyable stint with the Australian side in the Ashes 2025-26, Mitchell Starc is here to help Sydney Sixers grab an important win, which could help them seal a playoffs berth. Starc was recently named the Player of the Month by ICC for December 2025, which shows the kind of form he has been in. The left-arm pacer will look to enjoy his first BBL match of the season.