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Sydney Thunder vs Sydney Sixers Big Bash League Tips - Thunder tipped to keep Sixers winless

ryan-tucker
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Last updated: Thu 18 Dec 2025 11:34

As Sydney Thunder and Sydney Sixers are poised to meet for the first Sydney Derby of the Big Bash League season at ENGIE Stadium, both teams are eager for their first win. The Sydney Thunder are in an advantageous underdog position to potentially create an upset victory against their crosstown rivals, the Sydney Sixers. Key players like Matt Gilkes could pivot the match, with statistical trends favoring the Thunder at home. Expert recommendations include betting on the Thunder, betting under 317.5 runs, and anticipating impactful performances from Gilkes.

Ryan Tucker 18 Dec 2025
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  • Sydney Thunder vs Sydney Sixers tips
  • Match start is 7:15 PM AEDT on Saturday, December 20th at ENGIE Stadium
  • Sydney Thunder and Sydney Sixers meet at ENGIE Stadium for the season's first Sydney Derby.
  • Thunder are expected to cause an upset, with strong home stats and form advantage.
  • Recommendation: Thunder on moneyline, Game Total under 317.5 runs, Gilkes to score 20+ runs.
Sydney Thunder vs Sydney Sixers Big Bash League Tips

Sydney Thunder vs Sydney Sixers Big Bash League Expert Tips


The first Sydney Derby of the season at ENGIE stadium and for two teams yet to seal a win, one will come away victorious here. Based on what both teams have produced over the first week of play, it’s an underdog spot with the Thunder to create an upset.

The Sixers have now lost 4 games in a row dating back to last season and while they were close to victory in Perth, they were a step behind against Adelaide on Wednesday. Babar Azam has yet to show what he is capable of with the bat but the development of Jack Edwards is a shining light.

The Thunder looked strong with the bat early against Hobart before a couple of lucky turns of the pitch and some poor shot choices unravelled their innings. Matt Gilkes hit 3 fours and a six from his 7 balls at the crease with Sam Konstas and Cam Bancroft also getting in on the action. 

If they manage to recreate the confidence on a more even pitch in Sydney, the chances are they will be able to put some solid runs on the board. The Thunder had a 4-1 winning record as the home team last season with only 1 opponent able to post more than 150 runs at ENGIE.

Take the Thunder on the moneyline as the home underdog, the Game Total under 317.5 runs and Matt Gilkes to score 20+ runs

  • The Thunder won the most recent head to head with the Sixers in January (4 wickets, 7 balls remaining). 
  • 2 of the 3 games played at ENGIE stadium have stayed under this Match Total. 5 of the last 7 games between these teams have also stayed Under.
  • Matt Gilkes has averaged at least 20 runs in 5 of his 7 BBL seasons. 
  • Matt Gilkes scored 26 runs in his last matchup vs Sydney Sixers.

Sydney Thunder Form


The Thunder were beaten in their first match of the season by Hobart, losing by 4 wickets with 1 ball remaining. After batting first and setting a respectable 6-180 on a wicket that threw up some mysteries, it wasn’t until the 5th over that they were able to get their first wicket.

Shadab Khan was the pick of the bowlers with 2 wickets and 3 runs off 4 overs while Cam Bancroft topscored with 61 off 44 balls before being bowled by Billy Stanlake. 4 batsmen were bowled clean in the innings, a rare sight in T20 cricket.

Sydney hit 13 fours and 5 sixes in the game while allowing 13 fours and 9 sixes to their opponent.

Sydney Sixers Form


The Sixers are 0-2 to start the season following up their 5 wicket loss to Perth in the season opener with a 3 wicket loss (4 balls remaining) to the Adelaide Strikers in their home opener on Wednesday.

Star recruit Babar Azam had another poor showing, just 9 runs from 10 balls before being caught out again. Josh Philippe was able to steady the innings again for Sydney as he did in Perth, topscoring with 46 runs from 28 balls. Jordan Silk went for a first ball duck.

The bowling attack didn’t take too long getting rid of the openers but struggled more against the middle order giving up 51 runs off 32 balls to Liam Scott. All bowlers picked up at least one wicket, Jack Edwards took two with a 6.75 economy rate off 4 overs.

Head to Head Stats & Analysis


Last 5 Matches


DateResult
24-Jan-2025
Thunder won by 4 wickets (with 7 balls remaining)
17-Jan-2025No result
21-Dec-2024
Sixers won by 5 wickets (with 0 balls remaining)
12-Jan-2024
Sixers won by 19 runs
30-Dec-2023No result


Sydney ThunderStatsSydney Sixers
3-2W-L2-3
301.6Avg Match Total345.8
1-4Bat Flip3-2
2-2Bat First W-L1-1

Last 5 Stats


Thunder BattingStatsSixers Fielding
12.6Fours13.4
3.4Sixes5.4

Thunder FieldingStatsSixers Batting
10.8Fours12.2
6.4Sixes6

Home Season Averages (BBL14)


Thunder BattingStatsThunder Fielding
14Fours9.4
4.6Sixes5.8

Away Season Averages (BBL14)


Sixers BattingStatsSixers Fielding
10.8Fours12
4Sixes5.8

Sydney Thunder vs Sydney Sixers Frequently Asked Questions

What time does Sydney Thunder vs Sydney Sixers start?

First ball between Sydney Thunder vs Sydney Sixers is at 7:15 PM AEDT on Saturday, December 20th at ENGIE Stadium

What channel is Sydney Thunder vs Sydney Sixers on?

You can watch Sydney Thunder vs Sydney Sixers on Channel Seven, Fox Cricket, Kayo Sports

Verdict

Take the Thunder on the moneyline as the home underdog, the Game Total under 317.5 runs and Matt Gilkes to score 20+ runs
Best Bet1: Sydney Thunder Moneyline $2.02 at Pandabet - 2 Units
Best Bet2: Under 317.5 Total Match Runs $1.90 at Elitebet - 2 Units
Best Bet3: M Gilkes 20+ Runs $1.90 at dabble - 2 Units
Sydney Thunder
Moneyline
$2.02 - 2 Units
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Under 317.5
Total Match Runs
$1.90 - 2 Units
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Bet at Elitebet
M Gilkes 20+
Runs
$1.90 - 2 Units
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