In signing a 2-year contract extension with the Melbourne Stars prior to the Big Bash League season, Glenn Maxwell has once again pledged his loyalty to this club. With multiple franchises chasing marquee players during this window, Maxwell's decision to stay with his home state team at this important time reaffirms his faith in the Stars' long-term strategy.

Despite the fact that competing franchises have shown interest in him with larger contracts, he prefers to remain with the franchise from his home state and thus confirms his confidence in the long-term vision of the Stars. Resigning with the club provides them with a consistent leader who has demonstrated over the years that they can achieve great things if they work together as a team and support one another.

Glenn Maxwell has been associated with the Melbourne Stars since the 2012-13 season and is still one of the most effective players in the league. He will play an integral role for the Stars as they attempt to return to the league title race this season. With his wealth of experience, explosive hitting, reliable off-spin bowling, and exceptional all-around fielding ability, he will provide the Stars with both a mentor and a captain.

Also read: SL vs ENG Today Match Prediction – Who Will Win the 3rd ODI?

Sydney Thunder miss out as Maxwell stays loyal to Melbourne Stars

The Sydney Thunder were very keen to sign Glenn Maxwell for their list of players for next season, after finishing last in the previous season as part of their rebuilding plan. They were looking to have Maxwell play alongside David Warner, forming an experienced and powerful nucleus that could help them rebound quickly from being at the bottom of the table.

Maxwell decided to decline Sydney Thunder's offer in favor of staying with the Melbourne Stars, stating that he wanted to stay with the Stars for stability rather than to make a change. He wants to finish what he started with the Stars, and that has given the Stars a renewed belief that they can finally win their first Big Bash League championship.

The Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 is heading into its final phase, and all eyes will be on the Sydney Derby as Sydney Sixers host Sydney Thunder in Match 37 on Friday, January 16, at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground. With the last spot for the knockouts still undecided, the Sixers cannot afford a slip-up. A defeat could end their campaign, making this a virtual qualifier for Moises Henriques’ side. Determined to keep their playoff hopes alive, the Sixers will aim to approach the match aggressively and leave nothing to chance.

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

Sydney Thunder, in contrast, enter the clash with nothing to lose, having already been eliminated from playoff contention. The side will welcome the return of captain David Warner, who missed the previous game in which Sam Billings led them to a rare victory over Melbourne Renegades. Despite being out of the race, Thunder will be motivated to make life difficult for the Sixers and spoil their chances. While the match holds no immediate stakes for them, the team will aim to play with pride and challenge the Sixers on home turf.

BBL 2025-26, Match 37, SIX vs THU: Live Streaming Details

BBL 2025-26, Match 37, SIX vs THU: Probable Playing XI

Sydney Sixers

Steven Smith, Babar Azam, Josh Philippe (WK), Moises Henriques (C), Sam Curran, Lachlan Shaw, Jack Edwards, Mitchell Starc, Joel Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Sean Abbott

Sydney Thunder

Matthew Gilkes, Sam Konstas, David Warner (C), Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings (WK), Nic Maddinson, Daniel Sams, David Willey, Chris Green, Tom Andrews, Wes Agar

The 29th match in the 2025-26 Big Bash League is a match-up between the Brisbane Heat and the Sydney Thunder on January 10, 2026 at the Gabba in Brisbane. The two teams have already played each other once before, with the Thunder winning that match, which was their only win so far this season. This is an important match for both teams as they are heading into a critical part of the tournament.

Brisbane has had a somewhat inconsistent season thus far, recording three victories and four losses through its first seven matches, and Nathan McSweeney leads the team. They still have a chance to qualify for the playoffs, so they need to perform well in order to solidify their playoff chances. On the flip side, the Thunder have been having an extremely rough season, winning only one game while sitting at the bottom of the table with a poor net run rate. Because they have been eliminated from playoff contention, David Warner's team is looking to finish the season on a positive note.

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BBL 2025-26, Match 29, HEA vs THU: Live Streaming Details

BBL 2025-26, Match 29, HEA vs THU: Probable Playing XI

Brisbane Heat

Jack Wildermuth, Lachlan Hearne, Nathan McSweeney (c), Matt Renshaw, Max Bryant, Hugh Weibgen, Jimmy Peirson (wk), Xavier Bartlett, Matthew Kuhnemann, Thomas Balkin, Ollie Patterson

Sydney Thunder

Matthew Gilkes, David Warner (c), Sam Konstas, Sam Billings (wk), Nic Maddinson, Daniel Sams, David Willey, Chris Green, Nathan McAndrew, Tanveer Sangha, Wes Agar

While batters across the globe are dominating the Twenty20 format, Hasan Ali, star pacer of the Pakistan cricket team, delivered a maiden over in the Adelaide Strikers vs Sydney Thunder Big Bash League 2025-26 (BBL 2025-26) match. Ali secured a maiden over when his team, the Adelaide Strikers, was trying to protect a total of 165.

Strikers went to bat first at the Adelaide Oval as Thunder won the toss and decided to bowl first. The bowling attack of Thunder did a decent job by restricting the opposition to 165 runs for 8 wickets. Wes Agar, with 3 wickets, was the best bowler for Sydney Thunder.

The match turned into a thriller ride during the second innings. Matthew Gilkes and captain David Warner, the opening pair of the Adelaide Strikers, stitched together a partnership of 73 runs. When these two batters were in the middle, the momentum was slightly towards their team. But the middle order of Sydney Thunder, which collapsed suddenly, made the contest interesting.

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Watch the maiden over delivered by Hasan Ali in a BBL 2025-26 match

🚨 A MAIDEN OVER BY HASSAN ALI IN THE BBL. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/tMFZ25Xx7J

— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) January 6, 2026

After the opening stand of 73 runs, only Nic Maddinson was able to score a two-digit individual total for Thunder. Meanwhile, when Warner and Gilkes were on the track, batting with confidence, Ali claimed a maiden over. He came to bowl his first over of the match for the 4th over of the second innings when left-handed Matthew Gilkes was on strike. From the beginning of the over, the Pakistani pacer maintained a wicket-to-wicket line to leave the batter craving for some room. The batter, who found no space to swing the blade, was forced to defend all six deliveries of the over.

Sydney Thunder needed 13 runs to win in the last 6 balls of the match, which they could not get. Strikers won the match by 6 runs, and Hasan Ali concluded his 4-over spell with a 5.50 economy rate, powered by a maiden over and a wicket in the bag.

A rare moment in the Big Bash League (BBL). Two players went for a catch, but nobody called for it. Ultimately, a chance for an easy catch was wasted. From the reaction, it was clear that at that moment, both of the fielders were left clueless. 

The incident was from the BBL 2025-26 match number 3 when the Hobart Hurricanes were up against the Sydney Thunders. The match ended through a close competition, as both of the teams had equal chances to go ahead of the opposition team. It is now very tough to say, almost impossible, what could happen if the catch was not dropped. 

Sydney was the batting second side in the match. They went to bat to chase a target of 181 runs. They eventually got the desired result, a win. During the early stage of the second innings, the openers, Mitchell Owen and Nikhil Chaudhary, were fresh on the track. If the fielders of the Hobart were somehow able to grab the catch, then the picture of the second innings could be different. It was Mitchell Owen who sent the ball high into the sky. 

Read More: Who is Mangesh Yadav sold to RCB for Rs. 5.20 Cr in IPL 2026 auction?

Watch the moment when two miscommunication caused a drop catch in BBL 2025-26

Wait for it... 🫣 #BBL15 pic.twitter.com/QqMktlyf0d

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 16, 2025

In the second innings, when Hobart was on 16 and Owen was batting on 15 off 4, the funny mistake by the fielding side happened. Against Daniel Sams, a pacer from Milperra, Australia, might be confident enough to get the important wicket. The ball was flying on the leg side of the batter; two fielders made a good amount of ground to take the catch. But during the decisive moment, due to lack of communication, none of the fielders took the final steps to take the catch. The ball fell in between the two fielders.

The official social media account of the Big Bash League has shared the moment. The video also captured the reaction of the bowler. The comment section of the post is also funny. Netizens compared the drop catch moment with the Pakistan cricket team's bloopers while fielding. 

Former Australian cricketer David Warner has advised young batter Sam Konstas to remain grounded amid the sudden attention he has received due to his recent run-scoring form. Warner and Konstas are set to play together for Sydney Thunder in the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL), which is scheduled to begin on December 14.

Warner also spoke about the team’s combination and hinted at the possibility of batting in the middle order to accommodate a left-handed option lower down the line-up. He explained that this discussion is more from a tactical point of view and depends on match-ups within the squad.

Speaking further about Konstas, Warner expressed confidence that the experienced players in the Thunder camp will help the youngster handle the pressure that comes with sudden fame and expectations.

Warner Stresses Support and Natural Game for Konstas

“That's more for a match-up and strategic point of view. We don't have that left-hander in the middle [order] that we've been looking for. It's a conversation we're having. The best form of currency is runs and he's [Sam Konstas] doing that at the moment. When you do get thrown in the limelight, it can be a deer in the headlights. You can get overwhelmed and sucked into the hype around everything. But he has great support around him that will keep him level-headed,” stated Warner, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

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The former Australia opener also highlighted the importance of allowing Konstas to play his natural game without adding unnecessary pressure. He said that while young players often receive a lot of advice early in their careers, it is important for them to stay true to their own style. “You just have to allow him to keep playing his natural game. He had his taste of Test cricket last year, he probably got a lot of advice, as you do as a youngster. But as a youngster, you have to try to take on board what you think is required for you. You have to stick true to what you believe in and how you go about your game. He might have changed things. For us, it's about protecting him and making sure he's enjoying the game,” he added.

As for Warner’s own role, he has rarely batted in the middle order in T20 cricket, having opened in 382 of the 423 T20 innings he has played. The 2025–26 season will be Warner’s fourth campaign with Sydney Thunder in the BBL. He enjoyed his best season with the franchise last year, scoring 405 runs in 12 matches at an impressive strike rate of 141.6.

The Women’s Big Bash League 2025 continues with Match No. 11, where Sydney Thunder Women take on Sydney Sixers Women at the Drummoyne Oval in Sydney on Saturday, 15th November. The two teams also met recently in the T20 Spring Challenge, so they will be familiar with each other’s strengths going into this match.

The Sydney Thunder Women have had a tough start to their season. They failed to defend their totals in both games so far. They lost their opening match to the Hobart Hurricanes Women by six wickets and then faced another defeat against the Melbourne Renegades Women by four wickets. The Thunder will now be hoping to turn things around and get their first win of the season.

The Sydney Sixers Women began their campaign on a strong note with a huge 10-wicket win over the Perth Scorchers Women. However, they could not hold onto that momentum and lost their next game against the Hobart Hurricanes Women by six wickets with 19 balls remaining. The Sixers, therefore, will look to bounce back and move upwards into the points table with a better performance in this match.

ST-W vs SS-W: Head-to-Head Record

• Matches Played: 22
• Sydney Thunder Women Won: 8
• Sydney Sixers Women Won: 11
• No Result: 2
• Tied: 1

ST-W vs SS-W: Pitch Report

The pitch at the Drummoyne Oval is known to be difficult for batting early in the innings. The new ball often causes problems, and scoring runs can be challenging. Because of the tricky bounce and early movement, captains may choose to bat first and put pressure on the chasing team. Bowlers are likely to enjoy the conditions, especially in the first half of the match.

See Also: WBBL 2025 Match 10: HH-W vs BH-W head-to-head, pitch report & predicted playing XIs

ST-W vs SS-W: Predicted Playing XIs

Sydney Thunder Women (ST-W):
Tahlia Wilson (WK), Georgia Voll, Phoebe Litchfield (C), Heather Knight, Chamari Athapaththu, Anika Learoyd, Laura Harris, Hasrat Gill, Taneale Peschel, Shabnim Ismail and Samantha Bates.

Sydney Sixers Women (SS-W):
Ellyse Perry, Sophia Dunkley, Alyssa Healy (WK), Ashleigh Gardner (C), Amelia Kerr, Erin Burns, Maitlan Brown, Mady Villiers, Mathilda Carmichael, Caoimhe Bray and Lauren Cheatle.

Ravichandran Ashwin’s plans to make his debut in the overseas league have suffered a major blow as a knee injury has ruled him out of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 season. The veteran Indian off-spinner, who was set to represent Sydney Thunder, sustained the injury in Chennai and subsequently underwent knee surgery. As a result, Ashwin will not be able to participate in the upcoming edition of the Australian T20 league.

Ashwin was to have played the entire BBL 2025-26 season, which would have marked a historic moment as one of the few Indian cricketers to play in the league. His signing was regarded as a significant moment within the overseas competition of Indian players. His unfortunate injury has now meant he has withdrawn prior to the start of the season, disappointing fans and Sydney Thunder management alike.

The Sydney Thunder confirmed the news on their official channels, sending their best wishes to the Indian legend for a speedy recovery. “Sydney Thunder sends its best wishes to Ravichandran Ashwin as he recovers from surgery to his knee that has ruled him out of KFC BBL|15,” the club stated. The franchise also mentioned that Ashwin’s signing will continue to have a lasting impact across the Thunder Nation and that they are working with him on a revised schedule depending on his recovery progress.

Sydney Thunder and Ashwin React to the Unfortunate Setback

Sydney Thunder General Manager Trent Copeland expressed his disappointment, saying, “Everyone at Sydney Thunder was devastated to learn of Ash’s knee injury that has ruled him out of BBL|15, and we wish him well in his recovery. From the moment we first spoke with Ash, his commitment to Thunder was clear. We are hopeful of welcoming him into our dugout for part of BBL|15, introducing him to our fans at events and building a long-term relationship.”

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Ashwin (@rashwin99)

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Responding to the setback, Ravichandran Ashwin said, “I’m gutted to miss BBL|15. My focus now is recovery and coming back stronger. I’m grateful to the Thunder family and the fans for the warmth they’ve already shown me. Trent and the entire management made me feel part of the club from our very first conversation. If rehab and travel plans allow, I’d love to be around the group later in the season and meet the fans. Wishing both Thunder teams a big year.”

Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin is set to be provided with private security as he heads to Australia for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season. The Sydney Thunder have expressed concerns about the possibility of Ashwin being mobbed by enthusiastic Indian fans while in the city. To ensure his safety, the franchise is taking extra precautions ahead of his arrival.

Reports indicate that Ashwin will bring his personal crew to document his BBL journey with the Sydney Thunder for his YouTube channel. With a tremendous fan base that includes 5.3 million Instagram followers and 1.75 million YouTube subscribers, Ashwin is likely to attract considerable interest on and off the field. Security requirements have increased due to last year’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where about 5,000 Indian supporters gathered to watch India’s pink-ball practice session at Adelaide Oval, raising considerable safety concerns.

The Sydney Thunder aim to prevent a repeat of such situations during the BBL season. “The prospect of the veteran spinner training and playing in western Sydney has been flagged as a potential safety risk. The open nature of Cricket NSW’s facilities at Sydney Olympic Park means Indian fans could mob Ashwin at training,” the Sydney Morning Herald reported. In response, the Thunder have coordinated with Cricket Australia to ensure proper security measures are in place for an athlete of Ashwin’s popularity. “Ashwin may be given personal security during his time in Australia,” the report added.

Ashwin’s impact on BBL and fan engagement

Ashwin, 39, is expected to participate in three to five matches in January and will also feature in the finals if the Sydney Thunder qualify. His arrival is being hailed as the biggest signing in BBL history, sending a strong signal to fans, members, and sponsors. “It is the biggest signing in the history of the BBL. It is a really clear message to our fans and members and sponsors … that we are winning these moments. All eight clubs wanted this guy,” said Sydney Thunder general manager Copeland on Friday.

See Also: 'Playing in overseas leagues...' - Bangladesh leg-spinner Rishad Hossain reveals why he chose BBL over BPL

He added, “Ashwin has chosen us, which is a really cool story. Ashwin will be a great advocate for how great our tournament is and the Thunder environment.” With Ashwin’s dual role as a player and content creator, the Thunder hope to leverage his immense popularity to enhance the tournament’s visibility while ensuring a safe and secure experience for the cricketing star in Australia.

Legendary Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin went unsold in the ILT20 Season 4 auction. After retiring from the Indian Premier League in August, Ashwin wanted to try his luck in overseas leagues and registered for the ILT20 auction. He set his base price at USD 120,000 (around INR 1.06 crore), but no franchise owners placed a bid when his name came up.

Ashwin has had a fantastic IPL career, playing 221 matches across five franchises and becoming the seventh most-capped player in the league. He won the IPL twice with Chennai Super Kings in 2010 and 2011 and took 187 IPL wickets, which is the fifth highest in the tournament’s history. Overall, he has 317 wickets in 333 T20 games. In his last IPL auction, he was sold to Chennai Super Kings for a huge INR 9.75 crore.

Even though he went unsold in ILT20, Ashwin has already signed with Sydney Thunder for the Big Bash League (BBL) Season 15. He will be the first male player who has represented India to play in the BBL, making it a historic signing for the franchise.

Ashwin Joins Sydney Thunder for BBL|15

"Indian legend Ravichandran Ashwin has created history, joining Sydney Thunder for BBL|15. The Thunder Nation will welcome the biggest overseas signing since the League's inception, with Ashwin set to become the first male player to have represented India to join a BBL club," the team said in a release.

See Also: Women's World Cup 2025 Match 3: BAN-W vs PAK-W head-to-head, stadium stats, predicted playing XIs & points table

Ashwin will join the Thunder line-up in early January and will help the team try to reach back-to-back BBL finals, after they lost to Hobart Hurricanes last season. The veteran spinner is excited about his new journey and praised the team’s leadership for being clear about his role.

"Thunder was crystal clear about how they would use me and brave enough to back it. My conversations with the leadership were excellent, and we are fully aligned on my role. I love how David Warner (the Sydney Thunder captain) plays the game, and it is always better when your leader shares your mindset. I cannot wait to perform for the Thunder Nation," said Ashwin.