Sydney Thunder vs Hobart Hurricanes, BBL 2025–26: Match Preview, Pitch Report, Injury Updates & Live Streaming
The Big Bash League 2025-26 rolls on with a high-stakes clash at the Sydney Showground Stadium, where Sydney Thunder face Hobart Hurricanes in a must-win encounter for the home side. Thunder are under pressure after losing four of their last five matches, while the Hurricanes arrive with confidence, having won fore of their previous six games and holding a strong head-to-head advantage.
With playoff qualification scenarios starting to take shape, this THU vs HUR fixture carries major importance for fantasy players and fans alike. Venue trends at Sydney Showground strongly favor fast bowlers and bowling all-rounders, making team balance and player roles crucial for Mega League success.
Match Details
- Match: Sydney Thunder vs Hobart Hurricanes (BBL T20)
- Venue: Sydney Showground Stadium, Sydney
- Date & Time: 03 January 2026, 1:45 PM (IST)
Pitch Report - Sydney Showground Stadium
Sydney Showground has produced competitive but bowler-friendly games this season.
- Average score (last 5 matches): 175 runs
- Pacers wickets: 47
- Spinners wickets: 20
Pitch Insight: The surface offers good bounce and carry, especially for seamers with the new ball and at the death. While batters can score freely once set, early movement often results in top-order wickets. Spinners must rely on variations, as the pitch does not offer consistent turn.
Weather Forecast
Sydney evenings in January are usually warm and humid.
- Temperature: 22–25°C
- Humidity: Around 75%
- Rain: Low probability
Dew may play a role in the second innings, making chasing slightly easier as the ball skids on under lights.
Team Analysis & Form Guide
Hobart Hurricanes (HUR)
Hurricanes have dominated this rivalry, winning 7 of the last 10 meetings against Thunder. Their bowling attack has been the key difference.
- Nathan Ellis: Outstanding at the death, 7 wickets in the series
- Chris Jordan: Proven all-round value with wickets and late-order runs
- Nikhil Chaudhary: Breakout batter with 180 runs at an impressive strike rate
Strength: Death bowling and middle-order stability
Sydney Thunder (THU)
Thunder are struggling for consistency but remain competitive due to their all-round depth.
- Shadab Khan: Team MVP with 104 runs and 7 wickets, averaging 95 fantasy points
- Daniel Sams: Reliable wicket-taker and lower-order hitter
- Matthew Gilkes: Most consistent Thunder batter with 165 runs
Concern: Top-order instability and lack of early wickets
Injury Updates (BBL 2025-26)
- Sydney Thunder: No major injury concerns reported as of now
- Hobart Hurricanes: No confirmed injuries; full-strength squad expected
⚠️ Final playing XIs will be confirmed after the toss. Monitor official updates for last-minute changes.
Key Players to Watch
- Shadab Khan (THU): 100% Dream Team appearance rate, elite all-round impact
- Daniel Sams (THU): Bowls tough overs, high wicket potential
- Nathan Ellis (HUR): Death-over specialist, fantasy must-pick
- Nikhil Chaudhary (HUR): In career-best form, strong differential option
- Matthew Gilkes (THU): Thunder’s most reliable run-scorer
Captain & Vice-Captain Picks
Safe Options:
- Shadab Khan
- Daniel Sams
Grand League / Risk Picks:
- Nathan Ellis
- Chris Jordan
- Nikhil Chaudhary
Fantasy Winning Strategy - THU vs HUR
- Prioritize All-Rounders: Both teams rely heavily on multi-skill players
- Back Pacers: Fast bowlers have taken more than double the wickets of spinners here
- Death Over Specialists: Ellis, Sams, and Jordan are high-value picks
- Avoid Overloading Top-Order Batters: Early movement can cause quick collapses
Live Streaming & Broadcast Details
- Live Streaming: Available on JioHotstar
- Live Telecast: Broadcast on Star Sports TV channels
Disclaimer
This analysis is based on recent performances, venue statistics, and publicly available information. Team combinations, injuries, and match conditions may change before the start of play. Fantasy sports involve risk please use your own judgment and follow official updates.
Big Bash League HUR vs THU players T20 past performance, current series performance, fantasy points and selection percentage.
Teams | Date | Venue | Toss | Bat First | Bat Second | Inning 1 | Inning 2 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HUR vs THU | 16 Dec - 01:45 PM | Hobart | Hurricanes | 180/6 (20.0) | 181/6 (19.5) | Hurricanes Hurricanes won by 4 wickets (with 1 ball remaining) | ||
| HUR vs STA | 18 Dec - 01:45 PM | Melbourne | Stars | 158/9 (20.0) | 159/2 (16.0) | Stars Stars won by 8 wickets (with 24 balls remaining) | ||
| HUR vs REN | 21 Dec - 01:45 PM | Geelong | Hurricanes | 145/9 (20.0) | 149/3 (13.5) | Hurricanes Hurricanes won by 7 wickets (with 37 balls remaining) | ||
| HUR vs SCO | 26 Dec - 03:45 PM | Perth | Hurricanes | 150/8 (20.0) | 153/6 (19.3) | Hurricanes Hurricanes won by 4 wickets (with 3 balls remaining) | ||
| HUR vs REN | 29 Dec - 01:45 PM | Hobart | Hurricanes | 162/9 (20.0) | 163/6 (19.0) | Hurricanes Hurricanes won by 4 wickets (with 6 balls remaining) | ||
| HUR vs SCO | 01 Jan - 01:45 PM | Hobart | Hurricanes | 229/3 (20.0) | 189/9 (20.0) | Scorchers Scorchers won by 40 runs | ||
| HUR vs THU | 03 Jan - 01:45 PM | Sydney | Hurricanes | 205/4 (20.0) | 207/4 (17.5) | Hurricanes Hurricanes won by 6 wickets (with 13 balls remaining) | ||
| STR vs HUR | 09 Jan - 01:45 PM | Hobart | Strikers | 178/6 (20.0) | 141/9 (20.0) | Hurricanes Hurricanes won by 37 runs | ||
| HEA vs HUR | 14 Jan - 01:45 PM | Hobart | Hurricanes | 160/8 (20.0) | 157/8 (20.0) | Heat Heat won by 3 runs | ||
| HH vs MS | 21 Jan - 02:00 PM | Hobart | Stars | 114/5 (10.0) | 81/4 (7.0) | Hurricanes Hurricanes won by 3 runs (DLS method) | ||
| SS vs HUR | 23 Jan - 01:45 PM | Sydney | Hurricanes | 198/8 (20.0) | 141/10 (17.2) | Sixers Sixers won by 57 runs |
Teams | Date | Venue | Toss | Bat First | Bat Second | Inning 1 | Inning 2 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HUR vs THU | 16 Dec - 01:45 PM | Hobart | Hurricanes | 180/6 (20.0) | 181/6 (19.5) | Hurricanes Hurricanes won by 4 wickets (with 1 ball remaining) | ||
| SIX vs THU | 20 Dec - 01:45 PM | Sydney | Thunder | 198/5 (20.0) | 151/10 (19.1) | Sixers Sixers won by 47 runs | ||
| HEA vs THU | 22 Dec - 01:45 PM | Canberra | Heat | 193/4 (20.0) | 159/6 (20.0) | Thunder Thunder won by 34 runs | ||
| STA vs THU | 28 Dec - 01:45 PM | Canberra | Stars | 128/10 (20.0) | 132/1 (14.0) | Stars Stars won by 9 wickets (with 36 balls remaining) | ||
| SCO vs THU | 30 Dec - 01:45 PM | Sydney | Thunder | 202/8 (20.0) | 131/10 (17.3) | Scorchers Scorchers won by 71 runs | ||
| HUR vs THU | 03 Jan - 01:45 PM | Sydney | Hurricanes | 205/4 (20.0) | 207/4 (17.5) | Hurricanes Hurricanes won by 6 wickets (with 13 balls remaining) | ||
| STR vs THU | 06 Jan - 01:45 PM | Adelaide | Thunder | 165/8 (20.0) | 159/7 (20.0) | Strikers Strikers won by 6 runs | ||
| HEA vs THU | 10 Jan - 10:30 AM | Brisbane | Thunder | 180/6 (20.0) | 183/3 (16.2) | Heat Heat won by 7 wickets (with 22 balls remaining) | ||
| REN vs THU | 12 Jan - 01:45 PM | Sydney | Thunder | 170/8 (20.0) | 140/6 (15.2) | Thunder Thunder won by 4 wickets (with 4 balls remaining) (DLS method) | ||
| SIX vs THU | 16 Jan - 01:45 PM | Sydney | Sixers | 189/6 (20.0) | 191/5 (17.2) | Sixers Sixers won by 5 wickets (with 16 balls remaining) |
Teams | Date | Toss | Bat First | Bat Second | Inning 1 | Inning 2 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SIX vs THU | 20 Dec - 01:45 PM | Thunder | 198/5 (20.0) | 151/10 (19.1) | Sixers Sixers won by 47 runs | ||
| SCO vs THU | 30 Dec - 01:45 PM | Thunder | 202/8 (20.0) | 131/10 (17.3) | Scorchers Scorchers won by 71 runs | ||
| HUR vs THU | 03 Jan - 01:45 PM | Hurricanes | 205/4 (20.0) | 207/4 (17.5) | Hurricanes Hurricanes won by 6 wickets (with 13 balls remaining) | ||
| REN vs THU | 12 Jan - 01:45 PM | Thunder | 170/8 (20.0) | 140/6 (15.2) | Thunder Thunder won by 4 wickets (with 4 balls remaining) (DLS method) |




