Babar Azam shines as Sixers beat Thunder by 47 runs in Sydney Derby

Sydney, 20 December 2025:

Sydney Sixers posted a commanding 198/5 and restricted Sydney Thunder to 151 in the seventh match of the Big Bash League 2025 at Sydney Showground Stadium, securing a 47-run victory in a thrilling Sydney Derby.

The Sixers were powered by Josh Philippe, who smashed a brilliant 96 off 57 balls, earning Player of the Match honours. Babar Azam contributed a crucial 58 off 42 deliveries, anchoring the innings alongside Philippe. Daniel Hughes provided a brisk start with 25 runs before the Sixers’ middle order accelerated the scoring in the death overs.

In response, Thunder struggled against disciplined Sixers bowling. Jack Edwards was the star with the ball, picking up five key wickets, including dismissals of Thunder captain David Warner and Sam Billings. Shadab Khan tried to counter-attack with 41 off 31 balls, but the Thunder innings collapsed at 151 in 19.1 overs.

Sixers captain Moises Henriques praised the team’s all-round performance, noting the excellent partnership between Babar and Philippe that set the platform for a dominant total.

Scores in brief:

Sydney Sixers: 198/5 in 20 overs (Josh Philippe 96, Babar Azam 58; Reece Topley 3/41, Nathan McAndrew 2/41)

Sydney Thunder: 151 in 19.1 overs (Sam Billings 51, Shadab Khan 41; Jack Edwards 5/26, Joel Davies 3/24)

Result: Sixers won by 47 runs

Player of the Match: Josh Philippe