The Sydney derby began under lights at the Sydney Cricket Ground on the evening of 16 January 2026, with the Sixers electing to field first in a decisive late-season Big Bash League clash.
The contest delivered one of the most dramatic timelines of the tournament as Steven Smith’s blistering century overturned David Warner’s unbeaten hundred in a remarkable chase.
The Sixers ultimately reached 191 for 5 in 17.2 overs, surpassing the Thunder’s 189 for 6 and keeping alive hopes of finishing second on the table.
• Night fixture played in front of a lively SCG crowd
• Sixers won by five wickets
• Player of the match: Steven Smith
Thunder Innings Timeline
Warner launched the match aggressively, striking an upper-cut six in Mitchell Starc’s first over back in the BBL after more than a decade away from the competition.
By the end of the powerplay Thunder were 49 without loss, with Warner contributing 38 from only 17 deliveries.
Starc broke the opening partnership in the sixth over, but Warner continued scoring freely and brought up a half-century from 25 balls.
Momentum slowed around the midpoint as wickets fell and support runs stalled.
The innings changed again during the power surge when Thunder smashed 38 runs in two overs, highlighted by Warner attacking Sean Abbott with boundaries all around the ground.
Warner reached his century in 61 balls and remained unbeaten on 110, yet three wickets in the final over from Sam Curran restricted the total to 189.
• Warner scored his second century of the season
• Thunder finished 189/6 from 20 overs
• Late wickets proved decisive
Thunder Batting Scorecard
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| David Warner | 110* | 65 | 11 | 4 | 169.23 |
| Nic Maddinson | 26 | 16 | 2 | 2 | 162.50 |
| Sam Billings | 14 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 107.69 |
| Matthew Gilkes | 12 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 100.00 |
| Others | 27 | — | — | — | — |
Thunder Key Overs Timeline
| Over | Event |
|---|---|
| 0-4 | Powerplay: 49/0 |
| 6th | Gilkes dismissed by Starc |
| 11th | Drinks: 83/2 |
| 13-15 | Power surge adds 38 runs |
| 16.3 | Team reaches 150 |
| 19.6 | Three wickets fall in final over |
Sixers Run Chase Timeline
Babar Azam struck the first ball of the chase for four before Smith exploded into form, pulling Wes Agar for six and attacking Nathan McAndrew immediately afterward.
The opening partnership produced 141 runs in 12 overs and included a moment of visible disagreement when Smith refused a single before the power surge.
Smith then blasted 32 runs from Ryan Hadley in one over, a Big Bash League record, and raced to a 41-ball century.
At halfway the Sixers were 107 without loss, appearing certain winners.
A sudden collapse followed with five wickets for 28 runs, bringing tension back into the derby.
Lachlan Shaw and Jack Edwards steadied the innings and sealed victory with 16 balls remaining.
• Smith scored 100 from 42 balls
• Opening stand 141 runs
• Sixers chased target in 17.2 overs
Sixers Batting Scorecard
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steven Smith | 100 | 42 | 5 | 9 | 238.09 |
| Babar Azam | 47 | 39 | 7 | 0 | 120.51 |
| Jack Edwards | 17* | 8 | 0 | 2 | 212.50 |
| Lachlan Shaw | 13* | 7 | 1 | 1 | 185.71 |
| Others | 14 | — | — | — | — |
Sixers Chase Timeline
| Over | Event |
|---|---|
| 0-4 | Powerplay: 50/0 |
| 9.2 | Team reaches 100 |
| 12.4 | Score 150 |
| 13.0 | Smith century |
| 15.4 | Fifth wicket falls |
| 17.2 | Winning runs scored |
Match Impact And Standings Significance
The result handed the Sixers two competition points and preserved their chance of finishing second, dependent on their next fixture outcome.
For Thunder, the defeat marked their eighth loss of the season and confirmed a disappointing campaign despite Warner’s brilliance.
The derby will be remembered primarily for two exceptional individual innings, with Smith’s extraordinary strike rate ultimately overshadowing Warner’s unbeaten century.