Sydney Thunder vs Sydney Sixers – BBL Derby Drama, Jan 16 2026

That Sydney derby on January 16, 2026, between the Thunder and Sixers? Way more than just another BBL game. Played at the SCG, it had record scores, smart moves, and some heat between players that had everyone talking. The Sixers nailed a tough chase of 190, mostly thanks to Steven Smith’s crazy-fast century off just 41 balls. But things got a little awkward between Smith and Babar Azam, which shows how tricky decisions can be in T20 cricket.

How the Game Started

The Sixers won the toss and chose to field. The SCG pitch usually helps the fast bowlers early on before becoming easier for batters. It was also a warm evening, so hitting boundaries was easier. Both teams knew that how they played in the middle overs would be important for either building a big score or chasing one down. The crowd was packed, so the atmosphere added to the tension.

Thunder’s Turn to Bat

The Thunder managed to put up a good score of 189 for 6 in their 20 overs. David Warner was the star, smashing an unbeaten 110 with 11 fours and four sixes. He was a master of timing and kept his cool under pressure. A couple of batters got out early, but others helped steady the ship. Then, Daniel Sams came in late and gave the innings a boost so the Thunder could get to a challenging total.

Even with that score, some sloppy fielding and extra runs given away made the chase a bit easier for the Sixers. Warner played great, but the Thunder couldn’t build partnerships with him, which the Sixers took advantage of.

Sixers Go After the Score

Steven Smith’s century was the big story. The guy was on fire! He combined with Babar Azam for a huge opening partnership of 141 runs, which caused all sorts of problems for the Thunder’s bowlers. Babar played a steady role, getting 47 off 38 balls, keeping the score moving while Smith went crazy.

When Things Got Tense

It got interesting when Smith didn’t let Babar take a single at the start of one of the powerplay overs, wanting to face the bowling himself. After a few dot balls, Babar pushed a ball to long-on, but Smith insisted on taking the next over so he could hit towards the shorter boundary. That over ended up costing 32 runs, including four sixes in a row, making it the most costly over ever in BBL history.

Babar was visibly upset during a chat between overs, and later, after getting out, he whacked the boundary marker with his bat out of frustration. Smith didn’t talk to the media after the game, but he said that he was just following the team’s plan to make the most of that surge period. Mark Waugh said Babar’s reaction wasn’t a good look.

What the Players Thought

Mitchell Starc, who was playing his first BBL game in a long time, watched the drama unfold. He said that teams often try to exploit good matchups in T20 cricket. Starc’s comments showed how tactical T20 can be, where batters try to take advantage of favorable situations to score quickly. The situation between Smith and Babar, even though it was tense, was a calculated risk.

The Big Numbers

Smith’s 41-ball century was one for the record books and really helped the Sixers win. The 141-run partnership between Smith and Babar was also a record for the team. Warner’s 110 was also impressive but wasn’t enough.

This game was a great example of Smith’s ability to perform in high-pressure situations. That 32-run over showed his shot-making and timing.

What It All Meant

The Sixers’ win kept their chances of making the playoffs alive. For the Thunder, the game showed that they need more consistent performances from everyone.

Lessons Learned

This game taught us a few things. How you play during the surge overs can really change a game. Partnerships need to be built on good communication. And T20 cricket requires you to be mentally tough and able to adapt.

The Bottom Line

The Sydney derby on January 16, 2026, will be remembered for its great cricket, record-breaking scores, and the drama between players. Steven Smith’s amazing century and smart handling of the surge overs overshadowed Babar Azam’s frustration but also showed the difficulties of managing personal goals within a team setting. The fans won’t forget all the explosive action and the tension between two of cricket’s best players.