The Hobart Hurricanes and Brisbane Heat will meet in Match 35 of the BBL 2025 – 26 on Wednesday, 14 January at Ninja Stadium in Hobart. The Hobart Hurricanes are currently sitting atop the BBL table and have already qualified for the next stage of the competition. As such, they may use this opportunity to test their depth and try out different line-ups and combinations, but their objective will be to maintain their recent form going into the final stages of the tournament.

Hobart, led by Nathan Ellis, would like to perform well once again as consistency will be critical as the BBL season progresses into the playoffs. On the other hand, the Brisbane Heat continue to have a mixed bag of results filled with inconsistency; however, a win over Hobart would place Brisbane in fourth place with a total of 10 points. Brisbane are expected to be aggressive in their efforts to secure the win and not leave anything to chance.

See Also: Know the Time & Date: Phase 2 T20 World Cup 2026 Tickets to open today

BBL 2025-26, Match 35, HUR vs HEA: Live Streaming Details

BBL 2025-26, Match 35, HUR vs HEA: Probable Playing XI

Hobart Hurricanes

Mitchell Owen, Tim Ward, Beau Webster, Ben McDermott, Nikhil Chaudhary, Matthew Wade (WK), Rehan Ahmed, Chris Jordan, Rishad Hossain, Riley Meredith, Nathan Ellis (C)

Brisbane Heat

Usman Khawaja (C), Jack Wildermuth, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Matt Renshaw, Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson (WK), Xavier Bartlett, Matthew Kuhnemann, Tom Balkin, Zaman Khan

The 35th BBL 2025 match between the Hobart Hurricanes and Brisbane Heat will take place at Bellerive Oval in Hobart on Wednesday. The Heat have been struggling through their campaign to this point, with no back-to-back victories coming their way. Usman Khawaja's comeback on Saturday was a timely boost for them and kept their final hopes alive.

On the other hand, the defending champions suffered an early loss against the Stars but have looked near-perfect since, even after losing star batter Tim David to a season-ending hamstring injury. The batting lineup shows range and intent to attack. Mitch Owen and Nikhil Chaudhary have given strong openings, with Chaudhary leading the way as the top scorer.

Also Read: HUR vs HEA Dream11 Prediction Playing XI: Match 35, Big Bash League, 2026 Fantasy Cricket Tips, Team, and Pitch Report

HUR vs HEA Match Details

• Match: Hobart Hurricanes vs Brisbane Heat, 35th Match 

• Date: 14th January 2026

• Time: 1.45 PM IST

• Venue: Bellerive Oval, Hobart 

• Live Streaming: FanCode

HUR vs HEA Weather Report

HUR vs HEA Pitch Report

Batting units that make it through the first four or five overs without serious losses are often able to score 160 or more, with multiple innings going beyond 190 in domestic T20 matches played here.

Top Batters to Watch – HUR vs HEA

• Matt Renshaw (HEA): 287 runs in this tournament 

• Nikhil Chaudhary (HUR): 263 runs in this tournament 

• Jack Wildermuth (HEA): 215 runs in this tournament 

Top Bowlers to Watch – HUR vs HEA

• Nathan Ellis (HUR): 12 wickets in this tournament 

• Rishad Hossain (HUR): 11 wickets in this tournament 

• Xavier Bartlett (HEA): 10 wickets in this tournament 

HUR vs HEA Recent Form

HUR vs HEA Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1: If HEA Bat First

• Powerplay Score: 35–45

• Predicted Total: 150–160

• Match Result: HUR to win

Scenario 2: If HUR Bat First

• Powerplay Score: 45–55

• Predicted Total: 155–170

• Match Result: HUR to win

Who Will Hit the Most Sixes?

Who Will Hit the Most Fours?

HUR vs HEA Predicted Playing XIs

Hobart Hurricanes 

Mitchell Owen, Tim Ward, Beau Webster, Ben McDermott, Nikhil Chaudhary, Matthew Wade(w), Rehan Ahmed, Chris Jordan, Rishad Hossain, Riley Meredith, Nathan Ellis

Brisbane Heat 

Usman Khawaja(c), Jack Wildermuth, Nathan McSweeney, Matt Renshaw, Max Bryant, Marnus Labuschagne, Jimmy Peirson(w), Xavier Bartlett, Matthew Kuhnemann, Thomas Balkin, Zaman Khan

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

Based on current form, team balance, and superior bowling strength, the Hobart Hurricanes are the favourites to win this BBL match. Mitchell Owen, Tim Ward and Rehan Ahmed are expected to be the key performers.

HUR vs HEA Match FAQs

The 29th BBL 2025 match between the Brisbane Heat and Sydney Thunder will take place at the Gabba in Brisbane on Saturday. The Brisbane Heat have received a major boost in confidence, as Marnus Labuschagne and former Test opener Usman Khawaja are both making comebacks. Khawaja will resume leadership duties and replace Nathan McSweeney as skipper upon his return.

On the other hand, Sydney Thunder's season has been challenging, with just one win against six losses leaving them at the bottom of the table with a net run rate of -1.255. There are only three group fixtures left on the schedule, and winning all three is necessary to keep hopes alive for a place in the next stage.

Also Read: BBL 2025-26 Match 30: REN vs STA head-to-head, pitch report & predicted playing XIs

HEA vs THU Match Details

• Match: Hobart Hurricanes vs Adelaide Strikers, 28th Match 

• Date: 10th January 2026

• Time: 10.30 AM IST

• Venue: The Gabba, Brisbane 

• Live Streaming: FanCode

HEA vs THU Weather Report

HEA vs THU Pitch Report

The Brisbane Cricket Ground presents challenges for batters due to the pitch's bounce and carry that complicates stroke play at first, and quick bowlers obtaining good height from the surface.

Top Batters to Watch – HEA vs THU

• Matt Renshaw (HEA): 245 runs in this tournament 

• David Warner (THU): 241 runs in this tournament 

• Matthew Gilkes (THU): 208 runs in this tournament 

Top Bowlers to Watch – HEA vs THU

• Daniel Sams (THU): 11 wickets in this tournament 

• Jack Wildermuth (HEA): 9 wickets in this tournament 

• Xavier Bartlett (HEA): 9 wickets in this tournament 

HEA vs THU Recent Form

HEA vs THU Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1: If THU Bat First

• Powerplay Score: 40–45

• Predicted Total: 160–170

• Match Result: HEA to win

Scenario 2: If HEA Bat First

• Powerplay Score: 45–50

• Predicted Total: 175–190

• Match Result: HEA to win

Who Will Hit the Most Sixes?

Who Will Hit the Most Fours?

HEA vs THU Predicted Playing XIs

Brisbane Heat

Jack Wildermuth, Usman Khawaja (c), Nathan McSweeney, Matt Renshaw, Max Bryant, Marnus Labuschagne, Jimmy Peirson(w), Xavier Bartlett, Matthew Kuhnemann, Zaman Khan, Ollie Patterson

Sydney Thunder 

Matthew Gilkes, David Warner(c), Sam Konstas, Sam Billings(w), Daniel Sams, Chris Green, Nathan McAndrew, Tom Andrews, Wes Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Ryan Hadley, Tanveer Sangha, David Willey

HEA vs THU Today Match Prediction – Who Will Win Today?

Based on current form, team balance, and superior bowling strength, the Brisbane Heat are the favourites to win this BBL match. Matt Renshaw, Max Bryant and Marnus Labuschagne are expected to be the key performers.

HEA vs THU Match FAQs

Australia retain Ashes 4-1 against England

Australia concluded an overwhelming series performance against England in the Fifth Test with a 5-wicket success which sealed the Ashes 4-1 for Australia as they maintained ownership of the Urn. The match served as an appropriate conclusion to a hard-fought summer filled with individual brilliance, long batting marathons, and decisive bowling success. England began strongly by winning the toss and choosing to bat; however, the English cricket team could not keep pace with the overall depth and stability shown by Australia across all disciplines.

The England first innings was anchored by a superb innings of 160 by Joe Root, who weathered a fair number of collapses in England's batting order. Harry Brook added an impressive contribution with his aggressive 84 which took England to a very respectable 384; however, the Australian bowlers shared the shared the workload evenly with Michael Neser collecting 4 wickets and Mitchell Starc striking at critical phases. Despite Root's valiant effort there was no way for England to build on their platform to attain a commanding total on a surface that became increasingly batting-friendly.

See Also: Watch: Usman Khawaja performs sajda in emotional farewell after Ashes 2025 final Test

In its first innings, Australia immediately responded with an incredible 567, establishing control of the match. Travis Head was unstoppable, scoring 163 at just shy of one run per ball with his aggressive batting, while Steven Smith displayed expert levels of patience and precision in his craftsmanship by scoring 138 runs. Additional substantial scores from Marnus Labuschagne and Beau Webster added further pressure to England's already long task of bowling for prolonged stretches. By the time Australia had finalized its innings, it had amassed a significant lead that left England under immense pressure to perform.

Bethell’s Grit and Australia’s Composure

However, England displayed strong fight during its second innings with a remarkable innings of 154 from Jacob Bethell. Batting for more than four hours and demonstrating high levels of composure and endurance, Bethell formed several partnerships that allowed England to maintain a slim chance. Nevertheless, the disciplined accuracy of Scott Boland and the extreme pace of Mitchell Starc produced continued breakthroughs preventing England from building an insurmountable target. England was eventually bowled out for 342, leaving Australia a target of 160 runs to win the match.

Although Australia lost two early wickets during the last day of the Ashes, they showed tremendous quality by making it through with relative ease as Alex Carey and Cameron Green kept them going without being dismissed. Their calmness proved how much depth, consistency and confidence this team has, even in pressure situations. Travis Head received deserved accolades for being the Player-of-the-Match for his great first innings batting performance, while Mitchell Starc took home the Player-of-the-Series award. With this victory, Australia became the undisputed champion of the 2025-26 Ashes series by their undeniable strength and success.

Usman Khawaja announced his retirement from Test cricket on January 8, 2026, marking the end of his journey in Test cricket at Sydney Cricket Ground. It was a special moment because SCG was the same place where he made his Test debut for Australia back in 2011.

The emotional moments unfolded during the fifth and final Test of the Ashes 2025–26 series against England. Right after getting out in Australia's second innings, Khawaja took a moment to thank the ground, the fans, and the journey that shaped his career.

As he walked off the field for the last time in Test whites, Khawaja went down on his knees and performed sajda, thanking God for his long career. The SCG crowd responded with a warm standing ovation, celebrating one of Australia’s most respected batters.

A meaningful farewell and a proud Test career

Khawaja came in to bat at No. 5 while Australia were chasing England’s target. He looked uncomfortable at the crease and was bowled by Josh Tongue for six runs, scoring one boundary during his short stay.

Even though the inning was brief, the moment that followed stood out. Khawaja raised his bat to acknowledge the crowd before kissing the pitch and performing sajda, an Islamic prayer that shows humility and thankfulness. It reflected both his faith and his respect for the game.

Watch the video here

Usman Khawaja performs Sajda at the SCG after his final international innings. ❤️pic.twitter.com/Dzt4LNGP23

— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) January 8, 2026

See Also: Updated ICC World Test Championship points table after AUS vs ENG 5th Test 2026

The Pakistan-born Australian finished his Test career with 6,229 runs from 159 innings at an average of 42.95, including 16 centuries and 28 half-centuries. The Ashes 2025–26 series was difficult for him due to back issues, but his impact on Australian cricket will be remembered for years. His farewell at the SCG was a fitting and emotional end to a memorable Test journey.

Veteran Australian batter Usman Khawaja has announced that he will retire from international cricket after the 2025–26 Ashes series. The fifth Test in Sydney, starting on Sunday, January 4, will be his final match for Australia.

Khawaja made his Test debut in 2011 and had an up-and-down career. He played 87 Test matches and scored 6,206 runs at an average of 43.39, including 16 centuries. He was part of the Australian team that won the 2023 World Test Championship and also reached the final again two years later.

Speaking ahead of the Sydney Test, Khawaja said he is happy to retire on his own terms at the SCG, a ground he loves. He admitted that the start of the series was difficult and not being picked initially for the Adelaide Test made him feel it was time to move on.

With that in mind, let us look at three reasons why Usman Khawaja's retirement from Test cricket after the 2025–26 Ashes may not be the right decision.

Also Read -J&K police question cricketer after 'Palestine Flag' appears on helmet in local tournament

3. Australia Lack a Clear Backup Plan

Australia do not have a clear plan to replace Usman Khawaja. A similar situation happened a few years ago when David Warner retired during the home season. Even though Australia had time to plan, the transition did not go well. Moving Steve Smith up the order failed, while Sam Konstas and Nathan McSweeney did not get enough chances. Marnus Labuschagne also had to open briefly.

Khawaja was the one stable player in a confused batting unit. With his exit, Australia now face a big problem. They can either push Travis Head to open and strengthen the middle order with players like Josh Inglis and Jake Weatherald, or bring in a completely new opening pair from domestic cricket. Neither option is ideal, especially as the new World Test Championship cycle has just begun. Australia would have preferred more stability, and Khawaja provided exactly that.

2. His Experience Was Crucial for Tough Tours

Khawaja became a much better player against spin after the 2021 Ashes. He played a key role in Australia’s wins in Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka on the way to the 2023 World Test Championship final. Since 2022, he has scored 1,261 runs in subcontinent Tests at an average of 84, making him Australia’s best batter in such conditions.

Australia are set to tour Bangladesh and India later in the WTC cycle. They have not played a Test series in Bangladesh for 11 years and have not won a series in India since 2004. In the last Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Khawaja was Australia’s top scorer. Replacing a player with such a strong record will be difficult, and any poor result could hurt Australia’s chances of reaching the WTC final.

1. Australia Will Miss His Versatility

Khawaja has helped Australia many times with his flexibility. He returned to the team in the 2021–22 Ashes at No.5 and scored two centuries in Sydney. He then became a regular opener and held the role for four years. Even recently, when Steve Smith missed a Test in Adelaide, Khawaja moved back to the middle order and scored an important half-century.

With many tough matches ahead, Australia needed experienced players who could adjust to different roles. Khawaja was one such player. Without him, the team will now have to depend on new faces and show patience as they settle into the side.

The fifth and final Test of the Ashes 2025/26 at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) will be the last international contest for Usman Khawaja, who has decided to retire after the opening week of 2026. The left-handed opening batter, currently, has smashed 6206 runs in Tests at an average of 43.39 with 28 fifties and 16 centuries.

Usman Khawaja went after the media and former players for their double standards, citing the example of the opening Ashes Test at the Optus Stadium. He mentioned that he was the first Pakistan-born and Muslim player to ever play for Australia.

See Also: Watch: Hassan Khan’s flying catch dismisses Moises Henriques during BBL 2025/26

“When I did my back, I had back spasms, it was something I couldn’t control. The way the media and the past players came out and attacked me. I copped it for about five days straight. Everyone was piling in. Once the racial stereotypes came in, of me being lazy, it was things I’ve dealt with my whole life. Pakistani, West Indian, and coloured players.” Khawaja expressed.

Usman Khawaja hits out at media and former players

Khawaja minced no words as he hit out at the way he suffered the back injury, as he suffered the back spasm midway through the red-ball encounter, which prevented him from the opening position in the second innings, paving the way for Travis Head to take the responsibility.

“We’re selfish, we only care about ourselves, we don’t care about the team, we don’t train hard enough. I just thought the media and old players and everyone else had moved past them, but we obviously haven’t moved past them. All these things came back and made me realize we’re not quite there.” The Queensland batter reflected.

“I can give you a countless number of guys who have played golf the day before and been injured, and you guys (media) haven’t said a thing. I can give you even more guys who have had 15 schooners (beer) the night before, then got injured, and no one’s said a word. That’s alright, they’re just being Aussie larrikins, just being lads.” Khawaja addressed.

Australia’s veteran left-handed opening batter, Usman Khawaja, has decided to retire from international cricket after the fifth and final Test of the Ashes 2025/26 at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). The 39-year-old will enter his last red-ball contest with 87 caps and 6206 runs at an average of 43.39, having scored 28 half-centuries and 16 centuries at the best score of 232.

In the ongoing Ashes series, the southpaw has notched up one vital half-century during the first innings of the third Adelaide Test, along with a duck in the second innings of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. He revealed that he had considered retirement several times after the Boxing Day Test in India last year.

See Also: Rajasthan Royals to get this ground as new venue for IPL 2026

“I've been thinking about it, not wholly, but for a while. Moving into this series, I kind of had an inkling in my head that this would be the last series. I talked to Rachel [Khawaja's wife] about it a fair bit, and I knew this was a big chance. I didn't leave the door fully shut, because I knew there was a chance I could play on.” Khawaja expressed in the press conference.

Usman Khawaja to end 15-year international career in Sydney

Khawaja confirmed that he would continue playing for the Brisbane Heat in the BBL after his international retirement and hopes to feature for Queensland later in the summer during the Sheffield Shield games.

“I'm glad I get to leave on my own terms, with a little bit of dignity, and go out at the SCG where I love. But I think the start of the series was a pretty tough time. Then going into Adelaide and not being picked initially for the game, that was probably a sign for me to say, 'all right, it's time to move on'.” Khawaja shed light.

“I said to him, if, at any stage right now, if you want me to retire, I will retire straight away. I have no issue. I'm not hanging on for myself. That was the most annoying thing, because I felt people were coming at me, and I felt they were saying I was selfish for staying on. But I wasn't staying on for myself.” The Pakistan-born addressed.

Australian batter Usman Khawaja is set to address the media on Friday morning in Sydney, just ahead of the fifth and final Ashes Test against England, with strong speculation surrounding his Test future. The press conference is scheduled for 8:15 AM local time, shortly before Australia’s training session at the Sydney Cricket Ground, and is expected to focus heavily on the rumours of his potential retirement.

Clarke hints at farewell as retirement talk grows louder

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the timing of Khawaja’s media interaction has raised eyebrows, especially with the Ashes already secured by Australia. While there has been no official word from the left-hander, the build-up suggests clarity on his Test future could be imminent.

Former Australia captain Michael Clarke believes the Sydney Test could mark the final chapter of Khawaja’s international career. Clarke feels the veteran has earned the right to step away on his own terms and hopes he can finish on a high at a venue that has brought him immense success. He added that not many cricketers get the opportunity to bow out with a big score in a marquee Ashes Test.

ALSO SEE: “Complete lottery in…”- Former England captain warns Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum ahead of 5th Ashes 2025/26 Test

SCG record offers Khawaja hope despite lean Ashes run

The ongoing Ashes series, however, has been a difficult one for batters. Two of the four Tests have ended inside two days, highlighting the challenging conditions. Khawaja has struggled for consistency, scoring 153 runs in five innings, with a top score of 82. He was dropped for the third Test in Adelaide but returned after Steve Smith was ruled out due to illness, producing a gritty knock that underlined his experience.

Despite the lean run, Khawaja’s record at the SCG offers hope. He averages an exceptional 87.50 at the ground, with four centuries, and has dominated England there in the past. As Australia prepare for the series finale starting January 4, all attention will be on Khawaja’s words on Friday, which could signal the end of a distinguished Test career.