Josh Philippe delivered a match-winning performance with a scintillating 96 off 57 balls, leading Sydney Sixers to a commanding 47-run victory over Sydney Thunder in the 7th match of the Big Bash League 2025-26 at Sydney Showground Stadium.
Despite some early breakthroughs, Sixers posted a formidable total of 198/5 in their 20 overs, with contributions from Babar Azam (58) and Philippe. Thunder’s chase fell short as they managed just 151, with a spirited fightback from Sam Billings (51) and Shadab Khan (41), but the target was too steep. This victory handed Sixers their second consecutive win of the season, while Thunder remains winless.
Josh Philippe and Babar Azam steer Sydney Sixers to big total
The Sixers’ innings was anchored by a brilliant knock from Philippe, who struck 6 fours and 4 sixes to top-score with 96. After an early breakthrough by Reece Topley (3 wickets), the partnership between Philippe and Babar (58) flourished, adding 140 runs for the second wicket. Philippe’s acceleration towards the end of the innings, with a flurry of boundaries, set a tough target for the Thunder. Though the Sixers lost a couple of wickets towards the end, they posted a challenging total of 198/5, with Daniel Hughes (25) and Ben Dwarshuis (1) falling in the latter stages.
Also READ: Big Bash League 2025-26: Complete squads of all 8 teams in the BBL|15
Sydney Thunder’s struggle in chase as Jack Edwards and Joel Davies shine
Thunder’s chase was under constant pressure from the start, as they lost early wickets with both Sam Konstas and David Warner falling cheaply. With the required rate climbing, only Billings (51) and Shadab Khan (41) showed resilience, but their efforts were not enough. The Sixers’ bowlers, led by Jack Edwards (3 wickets) and Joel Davies (2 wickets), kept a tight leash on the scoring, regularly picking up wickets at crucial junctures. Thunder’s middle order crumbled under pressure, and despite some late resistance from Tanveer Sangha (8*), they fell short by 47 runs, finishing at 151 all out in 19.1 overs.
Sydney Sixers got the better of Sydney Thunder in BBL|15 💪#BBL15 pic.twitter.com/UMDMK6dp2b
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 20, 2025
