ST vs SS, BBL|15, Match Prediction: Who will win today’s game between Sydney Thunder and Sydney Sixers?

The first Sydney Smash of BBL|15 takes center stage as Sydney Thunder hosts Sydney Sixers at the Sydney Showground Stadium. Both teams are searching for their first win of the season, adding high stakes to an already fierce crosstown rivalry.

The Thunder started their campaign with a heartbreaking last-ball loss to the Hobart Hurricanes. Despite posting a strong 180, their bowlers couldn’t defend it in the final over. Captain David Warner returns to the squad for this massive derby, providing a huge psychological and tactical boost at the top of the order. Cameron Bancroft looked in sublime touch with a half-century in the opener, while Shadab Khan proved his value as a genuine all-rounder, taking 2 wickets and contributing with the bat.

The three-time champions have had a rare horror start, losing their first two matches against the Scorchers and Strikers. Marquee signing Babar Azam has struggled so far, recording two single-digit scores. He will be desperate to silence critics in the derby. Josh Philippe and Jack Edwards have been the lone warriors with the bat, while the veteran Kane Richardson is expected to make his Sixers debut to bolster a bowling unit that has lacked “bite” in the death overs.

ST vs SS, BBL|15: Match details

• Date and Time: December 20; 1:45 pm IST / 8:15 am GMT / 7:15 pm Local
• Venue: Sydney Showground Stadium, Sydney
• Head-to-Head Record in BBL: Matches played: 27 | Sydney Thunder won: 8 | Sydney Sixers won: 18 | No result/Tied: 2

Sydney Showground Stadium Pitch Report

The Sydney Showground Stadium is expected to offer a balanced, slightly slower surface that typically rewards tactical bowling over brute force. Historically, the pitch features a spongy bounce that can make it difficult for batters to time the ball freely, resulting in an average first-innings score of around 145–155.

Squads

Sydney Sixers: Daniel Hughes, Babar Azam, Josh Philippe (wk), Moises Henriques (c), Jordan Silk, Jack Edwards, Joel Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Hayden Kerr, Mitchell Perry, Jafer Chohan, Todd Murphy, Kane Richardson, Lachlan Shaw

Sydney Thunder: Sam Konstas, David Warner(c), Matthew Gilkes, Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings(w), Shadab Khan, Daniel Sams, Chris Green, Nathan McAndrew, Tom Andrews, Reece Topley, Tanveer Sangha, Blake Nikitaras, Ryan Hadley

Also READ: Sarfaraz Khan shares emotional note after getting picked by CSK in IPL 2026 auction

ST vs SS, BBL|15: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• Sydney Thunder wins the toss and bowls first
• Sydney Sixers’ powerplay score: 40-50 (6 overs)
• Sydney Sixers’ total score: 150-160

Case 2:

• Sydney Sixers wins the toss and bowls first
• Sydney Thunder’s powerplay score: 45-55 (6 overs)
• Sydney Thunder’s total score: 150-165

Match result: Team bowling first to win the contest

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