Sydney Thunder vs Sydney Sixers – 37th BBL Match, Jan 16 2026

That Big Bash League game between the Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder on January 16, 2026? What a night! The Sixers crushed it at the Sydney Cricket Ground, chasing down a tough 190 runs to beat the Thunder by 5 wickets, and they still had 16 balls left. Steven Smith was on fire, smashing a century in just 42 balls. Seriously, this Sydney derby was the best bits of the BBL all rolled into one.

The Setup

The Sixers won the coin toss and chose to field first. It’s smart since the dew usually kicks in later, making it easier to bat under the lights at the SCG. The pitch was great for hitting, with good bounce and pace, but the bowlers got a bit of movement early on. With the lights on and a packed crowd, It had all the right ingredients for a high-scoring fight. Plus, both teams knew this game could make or break their chances of getting into the playoffs, which made the local rivalry even more intense.

Thunder’s Turn at Bat

The Thunder managed to put up 189 for 6 in their 20 overs, mainly thanks to David Warner’s amazing 110 not out from 65 balls. He hit 11 fours and four sixes! The innings was all about Warner’s timing and power.

The Thunder did lose a few early wickets, which put them in a tricky spot. But Sam Billings and Nic Maddinson chipped in with some valuable runs in the middle. Daniel Sams made some quick runs late in the innings, which helped them reach a decent score. Even though he bowled economically, Sam Curran snagged three important wickets, which stopped the Thunder from getting above 190.

The way Thunder battled back from those early losses and Warner’s consistency really stood out. Still, they had some slip-ups in the field, and those extra runs they gave away came back to haunt them.

Sixers’ Chase: Smith Goes Bang!

When the Sixers went out to chase 190, they were aggressive but kept it under control. Babar Azam and Steven Smith got things going with a huge 141-run partnership in just 12 overs. That’s a record-breaking start.

Smith just went crazy, scoring 100 runs off just 42 balls, including five fours and nine sixes. He even smashed 32 runs in one over against Ryan Hadley – the most ever in a single BBL over! After there was a bit of a wobble, where they lost a few quick wickets, Smith’s hitting brought back that momentum.

Babar Azam held things steady with 47 runs off 39 balls, but Smith’s hitting and smart choices, like taking singles when he needed to, made the difference. Lachlan Shaw and Jack Edwards finished things off, and they won pretty comfortably with 16 balls left.

How They Bowled

For the Thunder, Sam Curran bowled well, taking three wickets for 28 runs, and Chris Green kept things tight and got a wicket. Mitchell Starc was back in the BBL, but he was a bit expensive at first, although you could still see how good he is. Sean Abbott and Jack Edwards tried to slow the Sixers down, but those openers were just too good.

Earlier, the Sixers’ bowlers were mostly on point. Nathan McAndrew, who came in as a concussion sub, took two wickets for 34 runs. Ben Manenti and Tanveer Sangha kept the pressure on and stopped Thunder from scoring too fast. The Sixers used spin and short balls well to keep the Thunder batters in check.

Any Drama?

There were a couple of minor disagreements out on the field. During the Sixers’ chase, Steven Smith turned down a single early on, and Babar Azam didn’t look too happy about it. But it worked out, as Smith then smashed the next few balls!

Also, Nathan McAndrew came in as a sub for Daniel Sams, who got hit by a bouncer. It got people talking about player safety and how that kind of thing can affect the game.

The Decision Review System (DRS) also played a big part, with a few umpire calls being reviewed during the Thunder innings.

Who Made the Headlines?

Steven Smith’s 42-ball century was amazing, showing that he can be a T20 star. David Warner’s 110 not out showed why he is one of the best T20 batters around.

The 141-run partnership between Smith and Babar Azam was the highest ever for the first wicket in BBL history. Warner became the only Thunder player to score three T20 centuries.

What It All Means

The win kept the Sixers in the hunt for a playoff spot. They showed that they can handle the pressure and chase down big scores. For the Thunder, it was another loss, and they need to sort out those batting partnerships and how they defend scores.

The Sixers proved how important star players are in T20 cricket and that aggression can pay off big time. It also showed how important it is to be mentally strong.

Best Bits

There were some great moments in this Sydney derby. Warner’s quick fifty got Thunder off to a good start, and Smith’s huge six off Nathan McAndrew, which hit the roof, was unbelievable. The captaincy and the fielding were top-notch.

The fans loved the hitting, the high scores, and the records being broken. It was a night to remember in the BBL season.

What We Learned

This game taught us a few things about T20 cricket. Getting off to a fast start can make all the difference. Good partnerships can turn a match on its head. And how you use your bowlers and manage the powerplay is crucial.

So?

The BBL match between the Sydney Thunder and Sydney Sixers will be remembered as a classic. Steven Smith was amazing, and Babar Azam played his part as the Sixers won by 5 wickets. David Warner was brilliant, but it wasn’t enough.

The game had everything such as record-breaking partnerships, big hitting, smart decisions, and a rivalry. The Sixers are still in the playoff race, and the Thunder… Well, better luck next year. It was one to remember because of the drama and the great performances.