BBL 2025-26, Match 31 Review: Rain spoils Smith's return as Hurricanes seal playoffs berth

The 2025-26 Big Bash League (BBL) clash between Sydney Sixers and Hobart Hurricanes was abandoned due to incessant rain on January 11. The shared points ensured Hurricanes’ qualification, making them the first team to progress to the next round this season. Sixers, meanwhile, have climbed up to the third spot in the tally.

The game marked Steve Smith’s much-anticipated return to the tournament as he became available following Australia’s 4-1 Ashes triumph. However, he had to contend with just five overs of play before the skies opened up. In the short span out in the middle, he swivel-pulled Riley Meredith over deep backward square leg for a six and hit Billy Stanlake for a four in the same region. Smith walked out in the middle with fellow opener Babar Azam, who cover drove Meredith for a crisp boundary.

But that was all the action the packed Sydney crowd could witness. Sixers were 32 for no loss when rain arrived, with Smith (19 off 16 balls) and Babar (9 off 14) unbeaten. The ground remained covered, and play was called off due to the rain not relenting.

The fate of the match comes as a significant fiscal blow to Cricket Australia, who had only recently endured losses of millions in ticket revenue thanks to a couple of two-day finishes in the Ashes. As it stands, CA will need to refund the Sydney spectators in full as the game was halted and abandoned before the threshold of six overs.

The Hurricanes will play their final league-stage game against Brisbane Heat in Hobart on January 14, while the Sixers will be part of the Sydney derby against Thunder on January 16 at the SCG. They will play their final game against Brisbane Heat at the Gabba on January 18.