Big Bash 2022/23 match preview: Sydney Sixers v Sydney Thunder

Key match-ups, analysis, form, team news, weather forecast, tickets, TV and streaming information, odds, predictions and more ahead of the latest encounter in the 2022/23 Big Bash

What's the match?

Sydney Sixers will host Sydney Thunder in match 50 of the 2022/23 Big Bash, the 12th edition of the tournament.

When is it taking place?

The game is scheduled to start at 7.05pm local time (8.05am GMT) on Saturday, January 21.

Where is the match being played?

The game will be played at the SCG in Sydney.

Who's got the form?

Sydney Sixers are in great form going into the derby. The Sixers haven't lost any of their last five, leaving them with eight wins from 12 games. Most recently, Steve Smith laid waste to Adelaide Strikers by scoring his first T20 ton in seven years. Backed up a fantastic bowling display, Smith helped the Sixers comfortably defend 203. Ben Dwarshuis impressed with three wickets for the Sixers, with just 28 runs coming from his four overs.

The Sixers have already booked their place in the knockout stages of this year's competition.

Sydney Thunder's run in the Big Bash hasn't been so clean recently, with just two wins in their previous five games, including a loss to their upcoming opponents. However, Thunder will hope for a change in fortunes after a victory over Melbourne Renegades.

Matthew Gilkes was the standout batsman in that fixture, with his 74 not out pulling Thunder to their sixth win of BBL12 as they chased down 142. This win could not have come at a more critical time for Thunder.

Steve Smith made a century in Sydney Sixers' most recent match [Getty Images]

What's the key match-up?

How will Thunder look to deal with Steve Smith? He has been in great form recently and that ton last time out displays what he is capable of. If Thunder are to win this game, the likes of Brendan Doggett and Daniel Sams need to produce a miserly performance with the ball to combat Smith, whose strike rate in that century against Adelaide Strikers was above 180.

Thunder's opening partnership of Gilkes and David Warner is key - Warner has yet to explode on his return to the Big Bash, while Gilkes found form last time out after a dry spell; Todd Murphy and Sean Abbott will need an early breakthrough.

What's the weather forecast?

Largely dry but cloudy in Sydney, with top temperatures of 23 degrees Celsius.

What is the team news?

The Sixers have an unchanged squad.

What are the squads?

Sydney Sixers: Sean Abbott, Jackson Bird, Dan Christian, Ben Dwarshuis, Moises Henriques, Daniel Hughes, Hayden Kerr, Nathan Lyon, Izharulhaq Naveed, Chris Jordan, Steve O'Keefe, Kurtis Patterson, Josh Philippe, Jordan Silk, Todd Murphy, Mickey Edwards, Jack Edwards, Steve Smith, Josh Kann (local replacement player)

Sydney Thunder: Oliver Davies, Brendan Doggett, Matthew Gilkes, Chris Green, Baxter Holt, Nathan McAndrew, Alex Ross, Daniel Sams, Jason Sangha, Tanveer Sangha, David Warner, Ben Cutting, Usman Qadir, Gurinder Sandhu, Sam Whiteman, Joel Davies

*Squads are for the whole BBL and not specific to this match

Matthew Gilkes will need to fire for Sydney Thunder [Getty Images]

What are the possible starting XIs?

Sydney Sixers: Moises Henriques, Josh Philippe, Steve Smith, Kurtis Patterson, Jordan Silk, Dan Christian, Hayden Kerr, Ben Dwarshuis, Sean Abbott, Todd Murphy, Steve O’Keefe

Sydney Thunder: Matthew Gilkes, David Warner, Oliver Davies, Alex Ross, Blake Nikitaras, Daniel Sams, Ben Cutting, Nathan McAndrew, Chris Green, Brendan Doggett, Usman Qadir

What are the odds?

Sydney Sixers are favourites with the bookmakers, with a best price available of 4/6. Sydney Thunder are considered the outsiders, with some outlets offering 11/10.

What's the prediction?

Form says Sixers. Head says Sixers. Who will win the Smith v Warner battle? Sixers.

Are tickets available?

Yes. The cheapest remaining tickets are $12 for children and $31 for adults via Ticketek. 

Where can I watch the game?

Sky Sports hold the UK rights for the BBL, with coverage split between Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Mix.

Ball-by-ball radio commentary will also be available via BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra and BBC Sounds for selected matches.

Fox Sports and Seven Network both have television rights in Australia, while coverage will also be available via the streaming service Kayo. Fox will show every game, while 45 matches, including the knockout stages, will be shown free-to-air on Channel Seven.

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