Brisbane Heat and Sydney Sixers meet in a high-stakes Match 40 of the Big Bash League 2025-26 with both sides pushing hard for a playoff spot. With international stars returning and form players peaking at the right time, this Gabba clash promises a competitive and tactically rich contest.
Match details follow.
Match: Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Sixers, 40th T20
Tournament: KFC Big Bash League 2025-26
Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026
Venue: The Gabba, Brisbane
Start time: 1:45 PM IST, 1:15 PM PST, 8:15 AM GMT
Team overview: Brisbane Heat
Brisbane Heat enter this fixture with 10 points and clear qualification maths. A win seals their place in the top four, which sharpens focus for this home encounter. The return of senior Test players Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne and Michael Neser strengthens both batting depth and bowling balance. Heat also gain confidence from a narrow three-run win over Hobart, a result that tested their nerve in pressure moments. The Gabba has historically suited their seam-heavy attack, and the presence of a vocal home crowd adds another competitive layer.
Heat’s strength lies in their top-order stability combined with middle-order power. Matt Renshaw and Nathan McSweeney offer control up front, while Max Bryant provides acceleration. With Neser and Bartlett handling the new ball and death overs, Heat back themselves to defend totals if they bat first.
Team overview: Sydney Sixers
Sydney Sixers sit slightly ahead with 11 points from five wins, three losses and one no result. Their recent five-wicket win over Sydney Thunder showcased their firepower, led by a commanding century from Steve Smith. The Sixers look settled and confident, with an unchanged core featuring Smith and Mitchell Starc adding elite quality on both fronts. Their batting unit blends experience and flexibility, while the bowling attack covers all phases with pace, swing and control.
The Sixers have handled pressure situations well this season, often finding key breakthroughs during the powerplay and middle overs. Their ability to chase targets under lights gives them tactical freedom at the toss.
Head-to-head record
The historical numbers favour Sydney Sixers. In 24 T20 meetings between these sides, Sixers have won 15 matches, while Brisbane Heat have claimed seven victories. One match ended in a tie and one produced no result. This record underlines Sixers’ consistency against Heat, though recent contests have narrowed the gap.
Pitch report and conditions
The Gabba surface generally rewards batters once they settle, with true bounce and pace allowing stroke play. New-ball bowlers must hit disciplined lengths early, while spinners and cutters gain value in the middle overs as the pitch grips slightly. A first-innings score in the 175 to 185 range often proves competitive. Evening weather forecasts suggest mild temperatures around 21 degrees with a chance of light showers, which could influence momentum but not necessarily shorten the match.
Probable playing XIs
Brisbane Heat probable XI: Usman Khawaja (captain), Matt Renshaw, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Max Bryant, Jack Wildermuth, Jimmy Peirson (wicketkeeper), Michael Neser, Xavier Bartlett, Matthew Kuhnemann, Zaman Khan.
Sydney Sixers probable XI: Steven Smith, Babar Azam, Josh Philippe (wicketkeeper), Moises Henriques (captain), Sam Curran, Lachlan Shaw, Jack Edwards, Joel Davies, Ben Manenti, Sean Abbott, Mitchell Starc.
Key players to watch
Matt Renshaw remains central to Heat’s plans, with consistent run-scoring and a strong strike rate this season. For the Sixers, Steve Smith’s recent century highlights his control and match awareness. Xavier Bartlett’s variations make him a wicket-taking option for Heat, while Jack Edwards continues to impress for the Sixers with disciplined spells and timely breakthroughs.
Match scenarios and toss factor
Recent trends at the Gabba show teams preferring to bowl first, with chasing sides holding a slight edge. If Sixers bowl first, they will look to restrict Heat below 180 and chase with calculated aggression. If Heat bowl first, early wickets become crucial to keeping Sixers’ total manageable.
Live streaming and broadcast
The match will be broadcast on Star Sports Network in India, with live streaming available on the JioHotstar app and website. Viewers in Pakistan can watch through official sports TV partners carrying BBL coverage and digital streaming platforms offering live access. In the UK, the match will be shown on accredited cricket broadcasters and their streaming services. Australian viewers can watch live on domestic sports channels and official BBL streaming apps. Global audiences can follow the match through authorised international broadcasters and league-approved digital platforms.
Match prediction
Both teams arrive with momentum and strong squads, but Sydney Sixers appear marginally more complete due to recent form, head-to-head advantage and a settled playing combination. Brisbane Heat’s home conditions and returning Test players keep them firmly in contention, yet Sixers’ balance across batting and bowling gives them a slight analytical edge in a closely fought contest.
