The Sydney Sixers are taking on the Sydney Thunder in a high-stakes BBL match today and all eyes will be on Babar Azam to see if he can lead his team to victory. The Sixers are coming off a good run where they won three of their last four matches and on the other hand Thunder have lost 6 straight matches and desperately need a turnaround.
To the Sixers fans, the derby is a matter of pride and momentum. Their last meeting on December 20, 2025 saw the Sixers crushing Thunder by 47 runs and the squad’s confidence is still high.
Sydney Sixers is a balanced side led by Moises Henriques which includes some international experience with Steven Smith and Sam Curran, while also Josh Philippe has been opening very well. However, the middle order and capacity of the team to develop partnerships depend on Babar Azam.
Babar has scored 154 runs in eight matches in this season with an average of 25.67 at strike rate of 104.05. While not explosive, his industrious, classy innings form the backbone of the Sixers’ batting.
Against Thunder whose captain David Warner has scored 371 runs at an average of 61.83, Babar’s role will be crucial. He must anchor the innings and ensure the conversion of starting scores into big scores if the Sixers are to stay in the control.
Thunder’s bowlers will be seen trying to take him early and they will try to get Babar Azam out as it will create an instability in the middle order.
For the Sixers early wickets and smart fielding are still crucial to the game, however, the performance of Babar Azam in the middle overs could be the deciding factor.
Given the state of Thunder and Sixers recent form, Sydney appears to be in for another Sixers win. Yet, today’s match will show if Babar can rise to the occasion, take his team through the moments of pressure and silence a struggling Thunder side yet again.
Also read: Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Renegades: Renegades’ last hope
