The Sydney Smash is one of the Big Bash League’s most electrifying rivalries, featuring fierce battles between city rivals Sydney Thunder and Sydney Sixers. Every clash delivers high-octane cricket packed with passion, pride, and unforgettable moments.
Across 28 BBL encounters, the rivalry has produced thrilling finishes and game-changing performances, keeping fans on the edge.
With the 2025/26 season approaching, excitement builds for the next chapter. This article examines their head-to-head record, venue statistics, recent results, and standout players from past encounters, offering a comprehensive breakdown of one of the BBL’s most intense rivalries.
Sydney Thunder vs Sydney Sixers – Head to Head
Sydney Sixers have dominated their city rivals, Sydney Thunder, with 18 wins in 28 encounters in BBL history. Additionally, two matches between the sides ended in a draw, highlighting the unpredictable nature of this fierce rivalry.
One of their most memorable clashes came during the 2019/20 season, where the Sixers clinched a thrilling victory in a nail-biting Super Over finish.
Take a look at the head-to-head stats from their battles in Big Bash League history:
| Parameter | Sydney Thunder | Sydney Sixers |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 28 | 28 |
| Wins | 8 | 18 |
| Loss | 18 | 8 |
| No Result | 2 | 2 |
| Highest Total | 232 | 197 |
| Lowest Total | 76 | 62 |
| Most Runs | Alex Hales – 287 | Mosies Henriques – 546 |
| Highest Individual Score | Alex Hales – 110 | Steve Smith – 125* |
| Most Wickets | Daniel Sams – 19 | Sean Abbot – 29 |
| Best Bowling Figure | Fawad Ahmed – 4/14 | Steve O’Keefe – 4/10 |
Sydney Thunder vs Sydney Sixers – Last 5 Matches
Out of the last five matches played between these two sides, the Sydney Sixers have won two, while the Sydney Thunder have secured one victory. The remaining two games ended in a draw, keeping the recent head-to-head record evenly poised.
Here are the results from their last five meetings:
| Match | Date | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| SS vs ST | 24 January 2025 | Sydney | ST won by 4 wickets |
| ST vs SS | 17 January 2025 | Sydney | No result |
| ST vs SS | 21 December 2024 | Sydney | SS won by 5 wickets |
| SS vs ST | 12 January 2024 | Sydney | SS won by 19 runs |
| ST vs SS | 30 December 2023 | Sydney | No result |
Sydney Thunder vs Sydney Sixers – Key Players to Watch Out For
Both teams feature a blend of seasoned performers and emerging talents, each capable of making a decisive impact on the match. With so much at stake, individual brilliance could prove to be the difference.
Top 3 Sydney Thunder Players
Take a look at these players who are expected to play a key role for the Sydney Thunder and add more excitement to the Sydney Smash rivalry.
1. David Warner
David Warner is a seasoned opener known for his aggressive batting and ability to provide explosive starts. In the 2024–25 season, Warner scored consistently, making him a vital contributor to the Thunder’s success.
His experience and leadership on the field also play a crucial role in guiding the team during high-pressure moments.
2. Sam Billings
Sam Billings is a dynamic middle-order batsman and wicketkeeper who brings versatility to the Thunder lineup.
Known for his quick scoring and ability to finish games, Billings adds depth to the batting order. His sharp wicket-keeping skills further strengthen the team’s overall performance.
3. Chris Green
Chris Green is an all-rounder whose right-arm spin bowling is key in controlling the middle overs.
Besides his bowling, Green contributes valuable runs down the order, making him a reliable all-round option. His ability to break partnerships often shifts the momentum in Thunder’s favor.
Top 3 Sydney Sixers Players
On the other hand, the Sydney Sixers, three-time BBL champions, also have players who thrive under pressure and can be key contributors for the team.
1. Josh Philippe
Josh Philippe is a talented wicketkeeper-batsman known for his aggressive stroke play and ability to accelerate the innings. His quick scoring in the top order puts immediate pressure on the opposition.
Philippe’s sharp wicket-keeping skills add value to the Sixers, making him a crucial player in both the batting and fielding departments.
2. Jordan Silk
Jordan Silk is a reliable middle-order batsman known for his elegant stroke play and ability to build innings under pressure. His calm approach and consistency help stabilize the team during challenging situations.
Silk’s experience and temperament make him a valuable asset for the Sydney Sixers, especially in tight matches where every run counts.
3. Ben Dwarshuis
Ben Dwarshuis is a valuable all-rounder for the Sydney Sixers, known for his left-arm fast-medium bowling and powerful lower-order hitting.
In the 2024–25 BBL season, he played key roles in crucial moments, including finishing matches with impactful batting. His ability to perform under pressure adds depth and balance to the Sixers’ lineup, making him a vital player in tight contests.
Sydney Thunder vs Sydney Sixers: BBL Standings Every Year
Sydney Sixers have won three Big Bash League titles in their history, while Sydney Thunder claimed their sole championship in the 2015/16 season.
Here are the points table standings for both teams in every BBL season:
| Season | Sydney Thunder | Sydney Sixers |
|---|---|---|
| 2011/12 | 8th | Winner |
| 2012/13 | 8th | 7th |
| 2013/14 | Winner | 2nd |
| 2014/15 | 7th | Runner Up |
| 2015/16 | 4th | 8th |
| 2016/17 | 8th | Runner Up |
| 2017/18 | 6th | 5th |
| 2018/19 | 6th | 3rd |
| 2019/20 | 5th | Winner |
| 2020/21 | 3rd | Winner |
| 2021/22 | 3rd | Runner Up |
| 2022/23 | 4th | 2nd |
| 2023/24 | 8th | Runner Up |
| 2024/25 | 3rd | 2nd |
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Conclusion: Sixers Lead the ‘Sydney Smash’ Head-to-Head Records!
Sydney Sixers have dominated the Sydney Smash rivalry, winning 18 of 28 matches against Sydney Thunder. Their strong performances and three BBL titles underscore their superiority in this fiercely contested city competition.
Despite the Sixers’ dominance, the Thunder have shown resilience and the ability to challenge, making recent matches closely contested. This balance keeps the rivalry intense and unpredictable.
With the 2025/26 BBL season approaching, both teams are gearing up for more exciting battles. Fans can look forward to thrilling encounters as the Sydney Smash continues to be one of the most captivating rivalries in the Big Bash League.
