Chasing a fourth title, the Sixers must address venue-to-venue inconsistencies and improve execution in key phases. Their experience, depth, and tactical clarity remain major strengths, but rising competition means that consistency and adaptability will be critical to their 2025–26 campaign.
Sydney Sixers Squad for BBL 2025-26
Moises Henriques (c), Sean Abbott, Babar Azam, Jafer Chohan, Sam Curran, Joel Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Daniel Hughes, Hayden Kerr, Ben Manenti, Todd Murphy, Mitch Perry, Josh Philippe (wk), Kane Richardson, Lachlan Shaw (wk), Jordan Silk, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc
Strengths
1. Depth in Pace-Bowling All-Rounders
The Sixers’ roster is bolstered by multi-dimensional pace-bowling all-rounders like Hayden Kerr, Jack Edwards, and Sam Curran, offering both bowling impact and lower-order batting strength.
- Sam Curran’s arrival strengthens the finishing unit, adding left-arm variation and big-match experience.
- Curran has a 167.1 strike rate in death overs in 2025 T20s and was Player of the Series in the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia.
2. Phase-Specific Pace Bowling Options
Sydney boasts one of the most well-distributed pace attacks in the league, covering powerplay, middle overs, and death overs.
- Kane Richardson provides death-overs expertise, with 29 wickets since COVID-19 in this phase.
- Ben Dwarshuis & Sean Abbott remain reliable new-ball options.
- Sam Curran strengthens middle-overs, with 18 wickets at a strike rate of 13.3 in overs 12–16 this year.
Weaknesses
1. Lack of Power at the Top
The Sixers’ top order struggled in last season’s powerplays, averaging just 28.87 with a strike rate of 120.28.
- Babar Azam has a slow powerplay strike rate of 89.2 and an average of 11 in 2025 T20s in Pakistan.
- Steve Smith’s absence is felt, as he struck at 163.89 in powerplays last BBL season.
2. Limited Spin Depth
The spin department lacks experience and consistency, leaving a gap in middle overs:
- Todd Murphy took only 6 wickets in 9 games last season.
- Jafer Chohan is still developing and unproven in 2025.
Opportunities
1. Jack Edwards’ Breakout Season
Edwards has the chance to emerge as a genuine match-winning pace-bowling all-rounder, potentially playing a role similar to Cameron Green.
2. T20 World Cup 2026 Preparation
Steve Smith and Babar Azam can use BBL15 to refine their T20 game ahead of next year’s World Cup, especially in the powerplay and finishing roles.
Threats
1. Sam Curran’s Late Arrival
Curran’s delayed availability leaves the Sixers reliant on seamers and thin spin options early in the tournament.
2. Powerplay Tempo Risk
Without Steve Smith, the team may over-rely on Babar Azam, whose subdued strike rate in powerplays could hinder early momentum.
Sydney Sixers Probable XI for BBL 2025-26
Babar Azam, Josh Philippe (wk), Moises Henriques (c), Jordan Silk, Daniel Hughes, Sam Curran, Jack Edwards, Sean Abbott, Todd Murphy, Kane Richardson, Ben Dwarshuis
Expected Finish: Runners-up
