The Big Bash League 2026 heads to the iconic Sydney Showground Stadium as Sydney Thunder face Melbourne Renegades in a high-pressure clash. With Thunder struggling and Renegades searching for consistency, this match could play a major role in the BBL points table and playoff race.
With superstars like David Warner, Daniel Sams, Josh Brown and Gurinder Sandhu in action, this contest promises huge fantasy potential and explosive cricket.
Match Details
- Match: Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Renegades – BBL 2026
- Venue: Sydney Showground Stadium, Sydney
- Date: 12 January 2026
- Time: 1:45 PM IST | 7:15 PM AEDT
Live Streaming & Telecast
- Live Streaming: JioHotstar App & Website
- Live Telecast: Star Sports Network
Weather Report – Sydney
- Temperature: 24°C – 26°C
- Humidity: High
- Rain: Low probability
Weather Impact: Humidity could bring dew in the second innings, which may help batters and make chasing easier.
Pitch Report – Sydney Showground Stadium
This venue has been pace-friendly in BBL 2026.
Average Score 165
Pacers Wickets 48
Spinners Wickets 18
Pitch Insight: Fast bowlers dominate here. Swing with the new ball and bounce in death overs make this a dream venue for pacers.
Team News & Injury Updates
Sydney Thunder
No injury concerns reported. Full squad available.
Melbourne Renegades
All key players fit and available. Final XI after toss.
Team Form Guide
Sydney Thunder
- Lost 4 of last 5 matches
- David Warner in red-hot form
- Daniel Sams carrying the bowling attack
Melbourne Renegades
- Won 2 of last 5
- Josh Brown leading the batting
- Gurinder Sandhu dominating with the ball
Key Players to Watch
🔥 David Warner (THU)
- 323 runs this season
- 87.6 fantasy average
- Perfect for flat wickets
🎯 Daniel Sams (THU)
- 12 wickets + 79 runs
- Bowls death overs – fantasy gold
⚡ Gurinder Sandhu (REN)
- 14 wickets
- Powerplay + death overs
💣 Josh Brown (REN)
- 270 runs
- One of the most destructive batters
Captain & Vice-Captain Picks
Safe Picks
- David Warner
- Daniel Sams
High-Risk, High-Reward
- Josh Brown
- Gurinder Sandhu
Grand League Punt
- Will Sutherland
Fantasy Strategy – THU vs REN
- Pick more pacers (pitch heavily favors fast bowlers)
- Prioritize top-order batters
- Prefer players bowling in powerplay & death overs
- Avoid stacking spinners
Disclaimer
This preview is based on recent form, venue stats, and team information. Final playing XIs and conditions may change after the toss. Always verify official team news before locking your fantasy team.