The BBL 2025 Final between Sydney Sixers and Perth Scorchers will take place at Optus Stadium, Perth on Sunday. The Sydney Sixers won the challenger match by 57 runs against the Hobart Hurricanes, successfully defending the target of 198 runs. Steven Smith was the standout performer for Sydney Sixers, scoring a match-winning 65 runs off 43 balls.

On the other hand, the Perth Scorchers beat the Sydney Sixers in the qualifier match, successfully defending the low total of 148 runsl Their immense success in the history of the BBL makes the two teams the best rivals ever. The Perth Scorchers have won the title five times in the past, and the Sydney Sixers have won three times.

Also Read: WPL 2026: RCB-W vs DC-W Dream11 Prediction 15th Match Fantasy Cricket Tips, Probable Playing XI

SCO vs SIX Match Details

• Match: Perth Scorchers vs Sydney Sixers, Final 

• Date: 25th January 2026

• Time: 1.45 PM IST

• Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth

• Live Streaming: FanCode

SCO vs SIX Weather Report

SCO vs SIX Pitch Report

Perth Stadium provides fast bowlers with ample support early in the innings, with real pace and bounce from the moment the floodlights go on. The average first-inning scores at this venue are 150-160 runs

Top Batters to Watch – SCO vs SIX

• Finn Allen (SCO): 430 runs in this tournament

• Aaron Hardie (SCO): 334 runs in this tournament 

• Josh Philippe (SIX): 268 runs in this tournament 

Top Bowlers to Watch – SCO vs SIX

• Jack Edwards (SIX): 18 wickets in this tournament 

• Cooper Connolly (SCO): 15 wickets in this tournament 

• Ben Dwarshuis (SIX): 16 wickets in this tournament 

SCO vs SIX Recent Form

SCO vs SIX Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1: If SCO Bat First

• Powerplay Score: 40–45

• Predicted Total: 145–155

• Match Result: SIX to win

Scenario 2: If SIX bats first

• Powerplay Score: 45–50

• Predicted Total: 165–170

• Match Result: SIX to win

Who Will Hit the Most Sixes?

Who Will Hit the Most Fours?

SCO vs SIX Predicted Playing XIs

Perth Scorchers 

Mitchell Marsh, Finn Allen, Cooper Connolly, Josh Inglis(w), Aaron Hardie, Ashton Turner(c), Laurie Evans, Jhye Richardson, Joel Paris, David Payne, Mahli Beardman.

Sydney Sixers

Daniel Hughes, Steve Smith, Josh Philippe(w), Moises Henriques(c), Lachlan Shaw, Jack Edwards, Joel Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Sean Abbott, Mitchell Starc, Ben Manenti

SCO vs SIX Today Match Prediction – Who Will Win Today?

Based on current form, team balance, and superior bowling strength, the Sydney Sixers are the favourites to win this BBL match. Steve Smith, Josh Philippe and Mitchell Starc are expected to be the key performers.

SCO vs SIX Match FAQs

The BBL 2025 Challenger between Sydney Sixers and Hobart Hurricanes will take place at Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney on Friday. The Sydney Sixers lost the qualifier match by 48 runs against the Perth Scorchers, failing to chase down the target of 148 runs. They have one more chance to reach the finals via the Challenger, though their batting lineup needs serious improvement after being dismissed for just 99.

On the other hand, the Hobart Hurricanes won the Knockout match by 3 runs against the Melbourne Stars and booked their spot for the Challenger. The return of Nathan Ellis to the Hurricanes after missing the Knockout is a major plus. When they team up with Riley Meredith, their attack gains a lot of pace and bounce, and they have already taken 25 wickets this season.

Also Read: BBL 2025-26 Challenger: HUR vs STA head-to-head, pitch report & predicted playing XIs

SIX vs HUR Match Details

• Match: Sydney Sixers vs Hobart Hurricanes, Challenger 

• Date: 23rd January 2026

• Time: 1.45 PM IST

• Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney 

• Live Streaming: FanCode

SIX vs HUR Weather Report

SIX vs HUR Pitch Report

The Sydney Cricket Ground should offer a balanced competition. At the beginning, there could be some movement in the air and some assistance from the surface under lights.

Top Batters to Watch – SIX vs HUR

• Nikhil Chaudhary (HUR): 303 runs in this tournament

• Ben McDermott (HUR): 282 runs in this tournament 

• Josh Philippe (SIX): 253 runs in this tournament 

Top Bowlers to Watch – SIX vs HUR

• Jack Edwards (SIX): 17 wickets in this tournament 

• Rishad Hossain (HUR): 13 wickets in this tournament 

• Ben Dwarshuis (SIX): 13 wickets in this tournament 

SIX vs HUR Recent Form

SIX vs HUR Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1: If HUR Bat First

• Powerplay Score: 40–45

• Predicted Total: 165–170

• Match Result: SIX to win

Scenario 2: If HUR bats first

• Powerplay Score: 45–50

• Predicted Total: 175–185

• Match Result: SIX to win

Who Will Hit the Most Sixes?

Who Will Hit the Most Fours?

SIX vs HUR Predicted Playing XIs

Hobart Hurricanes 

Mitchell Owen, Tim Ward, Beau Webster, Ben McDermott(c), Nikhil Chaudhary, Matthew Wade(w), Mac Wright, Chris Jordan, Jackson Bird, Rishad Hossain, Riley Meredith.

Sydney Sixers

Daniel Hughes, Steve Smith, Josh Philippe(w), Moises Henriques(c), Lachlan Shaw, Jack Edwards, Joel Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Sean Abbott, Mitchell Starc, Ben Manenti

SIX vs HUR Today Match Prediction – Who Will Win Today?

Based on current form, team balance, and superior bowling strength, the Sydney Sixers are the favourites to win this BBL match. Mitchell Owen, Tim Ward and Beau Webster are expected to be the key performers.

SIX vs HUR Match FAQs

The BBL 2025 qualifier between Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers will take place at Optus Stadium in Perth on Tuesday. The Perth Scorchers have won their last three league matches to secure a Qualifier spot. The Scorchers ended the group phase with a record of 14 points from 10 matches and are currently playing exceptional cricket.

Despite their slow start to the season, the Sixers have shown improvement in recent weeks, with five wins from their previous six games. Josh Philippe has been their primary batsman, achieving 240 runs in nine outings at an average of 27 and a strike rate of nearly 150

Also Read: BBL 2025-26 Match Qualifier 1: SCO vs SIX head-to-head, pitch report & predicted playing XIs

SCO vs SIX Match Details

• Match: Perth Scorchers vs Sydney Sixers, Qualifier 

• Date: 20th January 2026

• Time: 2.00 PM IST

• Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth 

• Live Streaming: FanCode

SCO vs SIX Weather Report

SCO vs SIX Pitch Report

The early overs will be dominated by fast bowlers. However, as the game progresses, the pitch will settle down and become more favourable for batting.

Top Batters to Watch – SCO vs SIX

• Finn Allen (SCO): 382 runs in this tournament

• Aaron Hardie (SCO): 317 runs in this tournament 

• Mitchell Marsh (SCO): 311 runs in this tournament 

Top Bowlers to Watch – SCO vs SIX

• Jack Edwards (SIX): 15 wickets in this tournament 

• Cooper Connolly (SCO): 13 wickets in this tournament 

• Joel Paris (SIX): 11 wickets in this tournament 

SCO vs SIX Recent Form

SCO vs SIX Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1: If SCO Bat First

• Powerplay Score: 40–45

• Predicted Total: 150–155

• Match Result: SIX to win

Scenario 2: If SIX bats first

• Powerplay Score: 45–50

• Predicted Total: 160–170

• Match Result: SIX to win

Who Will Hit the Most Sixes?

Who Will Hit the Most Fours?

SCO vs SIX Predicted Playing XIs

Perth Scorchers 

Finn Allen, Mitchell Marsh, Cooper Connolly, Aaron Hardie, Ashton Turner (c), Laurie Evans, Nick Hobson, Jhye Richardson, Luke Holt, David Payne, Mahli Beardman.

Sydney Sixers 

Steven Smith, Babar Azam, Josh Philippe(w), Moises Henriques(c), Jordan Silk, Lachlan Shaw, Jack Edwards, Joel Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Sean Abbott, Mitchell Starc

SCO vs SIX Today Match Prediction – Who Will Win Today?

Based on current form, team balance, and superior bowling strength, the Sydney Sixers are the favourites to win this BBL match. Finn Allen, Mitchell Marsh and Ashton Turner are expected to be the key performers.

SCO vs SIX Match FAQs

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for December 2025. He became the first Australian player in two years to win the award.

Starc received the honour after a brilliant Ashes series at home. He played a key role in Australia’s bowling attack and also scored important runs in the lower order.

Speaking about the award, Starc said it was a proud moment for him. He added that winning the Ashes at home made it even more special. Starc said playing a part in such a famous series in front of home fans was something the team would remember for a long time.

He also said the team has produced many strong performances in recent years. Starc added that the focus is now on keeping the momentum going and securing a place in next year’s ICC World Test Championship Final.

Also read -5 Indian cricketers you didn’t know featured in the Under-19 World Cup ft. Cheteshwar Pujara

Starc’s Fiery Form in December

During the series against England, Mitchell Starc delivered key breakthroughs at crucial moments. He picked up important wickets and kept pressure on the opposition throughout the series. Starc also made useful contributions with the bat, scoring valuable lower-order runs that helped Australia stay in control during tight phases.

His all-round effort played a major role in Australia’s convincing Ashes series win and once again showed why he is regarded as one of the best fast bowlers in world cricket.

An Ashes-defining month sees an Australian pace spearhead clinch the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for December 2025 🔥

Read more ➡️ https://t.co/rLedvRXAq6 pic.twitter.com/O8KvXWenyz

— ICC (@ICC) January 15, 2026

Recognition and Team Effort

Starc was selected ahead of other strong performers, including New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy and West Indies all-rounder Justin Greaves. His consistent impact across matches in December made him a clear choice for the award.

Reacting to the honour, Starc credited the success to the team effort and said he was proud to contribute to Australia’s Ashes victory. He added that such awards reflect not only individual performance but also the support of teammates.

The award also marked Australia’s return to the ICC Player of the Month winners list after Pat Cummins’ win in December 2023. This recognition further strengthens Starc’s status as a world-class fast bowler and highlights his importance to Australia as the team prepares for future international challenges.

Australia showed their strength at home once again, defeating their arch-rivals England to win the 2025-26 Ashes series 4-1. The Men in Yellow sealed the series with a five-wicket win in the fifth and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Thursday, January 8.

This is Australia’s fourth consecutive Ashesseries win at home, a streak that started with the famous 2013-14 series. Back then, the Michael Clarke-led team were at their best, handing England a 5-0 whitewash as they left Australia completely broken and defeated.

There are some patterns and similarities between the two series, which are 12 years apart. Here are five similarities between Australia’s wins in the Ashes 2025-26 and the 2013 series.

Also Read -WATCH: Marcus Stoinis roars at Babar Azam after dismissal in BBL 2025–26

1. A Left-Arm Pacer Leads the Wickets

The 2013-14 Ashes is remembered for Mitchell Johnson, who took 37 wickets at an average of 13.97. He troubled England throughout the series and finished as the leading wicket-taker, 15 wickets ahead of Ryan Harris. He was also named Player of the Series.

Similarly, Mitchell Starc led the 2025-26 Ashes with 31 wickets at an average of 19.93, finishing nine wickets ahead of Brydon Carse.

2. A Left-Handed Australian Opener Tops the Runs

In the 2013-14 Ashes, David Warner scored 523 runs at an average of 58.11, including two centuries and two fifties. He dominated the England bowlers.

In the 2025-26 series, Travis Head, who was not originally an opener, scored 629 runs in five Tests. He hit three centuries and ended as the top scorer of the series.

3. England Faces a No.3 Crisis

England’s success in Australia depends heavily on the No.3 batter. In 2013-14, Jonathan Trott left the tour early after scoring 10 and 9 in the first Test. Joe Root and, later, Ian Bell struggled in the role.

In the 2025-26 Ashes, Ollie Pope scored only 125 runs in three Tests. England then tried Jacob Bethell, who struggled at first but later scored a memorable century in Sydney.

See also-10 Bangladeshi cricketers register for PSL 2026, ft. Mustafizur Rahman

4. Hotspot and Snicko Issues

The 2025-26 Ashes saw several problems with the Decision Review System, especially Snicko, which caused confusion due to delayed or missing spikes.

Similar issues were seen in the 2013-14 series, including Joe Root’s controversial dismissal in Perth despite no clear evidence from Hotspot.

5. Veteran Retirements and England Coach Under Pressure

During the 2013-14 Ashes, Jonathan Trott and Graeme Swann retired during the series. England coach Andy Flower faced heavy criticism and later stepped down.

In the 2025-26 Ashes, veteran batter Usman Khawaja retired during the series due to injury. England coach Brendon McCullum is also under pressure after a poor campaign and questions over the ‘Bazball’ approach.

Australia retain Ashes 4-1 against England

The calendar year 2025 in Test cricket came to an end on Saturday, December 27, with the fourth Ashes Test at the MCG finishing inside two days. Australia, who currently lead the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle, lost the final Test match of the year against England.

The year 2025 saw several players from different nations deliver outstanding performances in the longest format of the game. Bowlers, in particular, played a key role and consistently made an impact across conditions.

Here, we take a look at the Top 10 Test wicket-takers of 2025, highlighting the bowlers who dominated Test cricket throughout the year.

Also Read -Ahead of IPL 2026 Sanju Samson likely to get leadership role in CSK: Report

10. Noman Ali

Pakistan spinner Noman Ali finished as the joint tenth-highest wicket-taker of 2025. He claimed 30 wickets in four matches, proving to be a key spin option for Pakistan, especially in testing home conditions.

9. Simon Harmer

Simon Harmer also picked up 30 wickets in four matches for South Africa in 2025. He enjoyed a stellar Test series in India, where he played a major role in helping the Proteas whitewash the hosts 2–0, making him South Africa’s find of the year.

8. Jasprit Bumrah

Despite limited appearances due to injuries and workload management, Jasprit Bumrah led India’s pace attack with authority. He finished the year with 31 wickets in eight matches, once again proving his consistency in the longest format.

7. Scott Boland

Scott Boland continued his impressive form for Australia, taking 32 wickets in six matches with his disciplined line and length. He also became the first bowler to take a hat-trick in a Day/Night Test during the year.

6. Josh Tongue

Josh Tongue’s rise in England’s bowling attack continued in 2025 as he claimed 33 wickets in six matches. His pace and bounce troubled batters, and he ended the year with a memorable five-wicket haul at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

5. Taijul Islam

Bangladesh leaned heavily on Taijul Islam, who finished with 33 wickets in six matches. His accuracy and control made him the team’s most reliable bowler throughout the year.

4. Ben Stokes

England Test captain Ben Stokes carried much of the team’s responsibility, ending 2025 with 33 wickets from nine matches. Many of his wickets came in crucial moments when England needed breakthroughs.

3. Blessing Muzarabani

Blessing Muzarabani emerged as a major force for Zimbabwe, taking 42 wickets in 10 matches across different conditions.

2. Mohammed Siraj

Mohammed Siraj delivered a standout year for India, finishing with 43 wickets in 10 matches. His impact was especially strong in the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy, where he played all five Tests despite fitness issues.

1. Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc finished 2025 as the leading Test wicket-taker, claiming 55 wickets in 11 matches. Leading Australia’s attack during the Ashes, he once again showed why he remains one of the world’s best fast bowlers.

In the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL) auctions, we have witnessed numerous huge bids that have stunned the cricket world. We have experienced something spicy in every IPL auction, while the recent auctions produced some record-breaking bids that put the marks in the list of the most expensive IPL players. 

Most expensive players in the history of IPL

Rishabh Pant (INR 27 Cr)

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant created history when Lucknow Super Giants bought him for INR 27 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction. Without a doubt, Pant was selected as the captain of the team then, while the previous captain, KL Rahul, had already been released. 

Shreyas Iyer (INR 26.75 Cr)

The IPL 2024 winning captain Shreyas Iyer became the most expensive player in IPL auction history when Punjab Kings secured the Indian cricketer for INR 26.75 crore during the mega auction for IPL 2025. However, in that same auction, Rishabh Pant broke that record. 

Cameron Green (INR 25.2 Cr)

Australian all-rounder Cameron Green now holds the record for the most expensive player in IPL mini-auction history as well as the Cameron Green sold to Kolkata Knight Riders for this price during IPL 2026 auction. In the mini auction for the IPL 2026, the three-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders bought Green for INR 25.20 crore. 

Mitchell Starc (INR 24.75 Cr)

Before Cameron Green, Australian left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc held the record for the most expensive overseas player in IPL auction history, which was also then the most expensive buy in IPL auction history, when Kolkata Knight Riders won the bid for him for INR 24.75 crore during the IPL 2024 mini auction.

See Also: Venkatesh Iyer sold to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for this price in IPL 2026 auction

Venkatesh Iyer (INR 23.75 Cr)

In the IPL 2025 mega auction, the Indian all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer was successfully bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 23.75 crore. From 2021 to 2025, he served for KKR before Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured him ahead of the IPL 2026 season. 

Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi is all set to play for Brisbane Heat in the upcoming Big Bash League season (BBL 2025-26). Ahead of the stint with the Aussie franchise, Afridi faced multiple questions related to star Australia pacer Mitchell Starc.

In the ongoing Ashes 2025-26, when Australia and England were engaged in a pink ball Test, Starc created history. As a left-arm pacer, he became the most successful pacer of Test cricket, surpassing Pakistan legend Wasim Akram. Despite the historic feat, Starc said that Akram still is the best.

While speaking with Kayo Sports, Afridi claimed that they had conversations when Pakistan faced Australia in the past. According to him, Starc is a legend as well as a role model for young cricketers.

Read More: Watch: Australian allrounder wishes to play for Punjab Kings ahead of IPL 2026 auction

Shaheen Afridi reveals how Mitchell Starc helped him to improve his bowling

Shaheen Shah Afridi on Mitchell Starc ❤️pic.twitter.com/yVvNmrNAlU

— junaiz (@dhillow_) December 10, 2025

"Whenever we played against Australia, we had a very good chat. He is a legend, and last time when we met, I told him that I watched your 2015 World Cup bowling spell. He is a world-class bowler. He is a role model for any youngster. He still bowls in the 140+ range; he recently crossed Wasim Akram's record. He has been the best for Australia for many years," Afridi said.

After that, the pacer said how the experienced Aussie seamer influenced him in the past. Influenced by Starc, Afridi started to bowl fuller against the batters.

"When Mitchell Starc played that 2015 World Cup, I played Under-16 cricket for Pakistan. I follow him and try to bowl like him many times," he further added.

Brisbane Heat squad for BBL 2025-26:

Max Bryant, Lachlan Hearne, Usman Khawaja, Colin Munro, Marnus Labuschagne, Matt Renshaw, Nathan McSweeney, Michael Neser, Callum Vidler, Ollie Patterson, Hugh Weibgen, Jack Wildermuth, Tom Alsop, Jimmy Pierson, Shaheen Afridi, Spencer Johnson, Matthew Kuhnemann, Xavier Bartlett.

The left-arm pacer of the Australian side, Mitchell Starc, has picked his three favorite and best players with whom he shared the dressing room. He made a special mention of the former national team captain, Ricky Ponting, with whom he was amazed to be part of the team, even for a small period.

Starc started with the former South Africa captain and the wicket-keeper batter, Ab de Villiers, who was part of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) when Starc shared the dressing room for a couple of seasons. He reflected on sharing a good friendship with him.

See Also: Watch: “Doubted me…?”- Ravichandran Ashwin decodes Virat Kohli’s fierce celebration in IND vs SA ODI series

“I am going to start with AB de Villiers. Didn’t spend a lot of time, but I was there for a couple of years in IPL in the same team. Got to play a lot against him, but it was really fortunate to play a few seasons with him at the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and built a friendship and relationship with him.” Starc expressed in a video that has gone viral on social media platforms.

Watch: Mitchell Starc picks Virat Kohli among his three best cricketers he has played with in his career

Starc has hit the headlines currently with his 10-wicket haul in the opening Ashes 2025/26 Test at the Optus Stadium in Perth, besides collecting six wickets in the second fixture at the Gabba in the day-night pink ball Test.

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A post shared by Kookaburra Cricket AUS/NZ (@kookaburracricketausnz)

“Number two is Steve Smith. I have spent almost the same period and most of the time with Steve, and I am very fortunate to play with him for most of the same teams. It’s lucky that I didn’t have to play any professional cricket against him because he is such an amazing player for Australia and any color he takes into. His cricket knowledge has been amazing.” Starc is addressed in the video.

“Number one will be Virat Kohli. The same few years when I was with Ab, the one right next door was Ab. To get to see his preparation and the way he dominated was cool. He is another player with whom I had so many battles over the years, and it was really cool to work with him for a couple of seasons.” The left-arm pacer of Australia concluded.