The Gabba hosts a high-stakes, virtual knockout clash as the Brisbane Heat take on the Sydney Sixers in the final league match of BBL 2025-26. Both teams’ playoff fates hang in the balance: a win guarantees progression, while a loss could spell elimination. The Heat, fresh off a thrilling last-over win, have momentum at home. The Sixers, on a hot streak with five wins in six, are peaking at the right time, setting the stage for a blockbuster encounter.
Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Sixers Win Probability
BH vs SS Batting Tips
Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Sixers, 40th Match Details
| Match | Big Bash League 2025-26, Match 40 |
| Date | Sunday, 18 January 2026 |
| Time | 01:45 AM (IST), 07:15 PM LOCAL |
| Venue | The Gabba, Brisbane |
| Live Streaming (TV) | Sony Sports Network |
| Live Streaming (Mobile) | JioHotstar |
BH vs SS Match Prediction & Analysis (Who Will Win?)
This is a classic finals-like contest with everything on the line. The Brisbane Heat have the home advantage and the confidence of a last-gasp victory over the table-toppers. However, the Sydney Sixers are in formidable form, having won five of their last six completed games and bolstered by the return of Steven Smith, who smashed a century last game, and Mitchell Starc. The Sixers’ batting appears deeper and their bowling attack, with Starc’s inclusion, looks more potent. While the Heat will fight fiercely, the Sixers’ superior current form and big-match players give them the edge. The prediction favours the Sydney Sixers.
BH vs SS Head to Head (Last 10 Matches)
| BH Won | 04 |
| SS Won | 03 |
| Draw/No Result | 03 |
BH vs SS Teams Preview (Top Players to Watch)
Brisbane Heat
Usman Khawaja’s side kept their season alive with a dramatic win. Their batting relies heavily on the consistent Matt Renshaw (324 runs) and the explosive Max Bryant. The experienced Usman Khawaja at the top adds stability. The bowling, led by Xavier Bartlett (13 wickets), needs to be at its absolute best to contain a powerful Sixers line-up on a high-scoring ground.
BH Probable Playing XI:
Jack Wildermuth, Usman Khawaja (C), Nathan McSweeney, Matt Renshaw, Marnus Labuschagne, Max Bryant, Jimmy Peirson (WK), Michael Neser, Xavier Bartlett, Matthew Kuhnemann, Zaman Khan.
Top Player to Watch: Matt Renshaw & Zaman Khan.
Sydney Sixers
Moises Henriques’ team is hitting its peak. Their batting is terrifying, with the in-form Steven Smith (100 last game), the classy Babar Azam, and the dynamic Josh Philippe. The bowling attack is world-class, featuring the returning Mitchell Starc, the wily Sean Abbott, and the wicket-taking Jack Edwards.
SS Probable Playing XI:
Steven Smith, Babar Azam, Josh Philippe (WK), Moises Henriques (C), Sam Curran, Lachlan Shaw, Jack Edwards, Joel Davies, Ben Manenti, Sean Abbott, Mitchell Starc.
Top Player to Watch: Steven Smith & Moises Henriques.
BH vs SS Weather & Pitch Report
The Gabba has been a batting paradise this season, with first-innings scores of 257, 179, 195, and 180. The pitch favours high scoring, and a total in the range of 185-190 is considered competitive and will challenge the chasing side.
Mostly cloudy and humid conditions are forecast for Brisbane with a chance of showers. Rain interruptions could play a role in this crucial fixture.
BH vs SS Toss Prediction
Following the trend at The Gabba this season, where the bowling side has won the toss in three of four games, the captain winning the toss is likely to choose to bowl first.
BH vs SS Dream11 Team
- Wicket-keeper: Josh Philippe, Jimmy Peirson
- Batters: Steven Smith, Matt Renshaw, Babar Azam, Usman Khawaja
- All-rounders: Jack Wildermuth, Sam Curran
- Bowlers: Mitchell Starc, Xavier Bartlett, Sean Abbott, Matthew Kuhnemann
Pro Tip: For fantasy contests, platforms like Dream11 offer free team creation for users outside India. On a batting-friendly Gabba pitch, stack your team with in-form top-order batters. Always finalize your team after the official playing XIs are announced, typically 30 minutes before the match start (around 01:15 PM IST), and monitor the weather.
Disclaimer: This match prediction is based on analysis of recent form, head-to-head records, and pitch conditions. It is for entertainment purposes only. We do not endorse or engage in any illegal betting activities. Users, especially from India, must comply with all local laws, including regulations under the new Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025.
