One of the Big Bash League's (BBL) most successful teams is the Sydney Sixers. After winning three finals in 2011, 2019, and 2020, they are ranked second in the championship table, behind the Perth Scorchers with 5 titles. The Sixers also came close to a threepeat win last season, but unfortunately, Brisbane Heat got the best of them and scored their second title from the final.
Still, the Sixers are one of the favorite teams to win the BBL, and with the next edition fast approaching, it will be interesting to see how they’ll shake things up. Coming close to getting another championship last year has surely made them more eager to get that win.
Whether you’re looking for free Big Bash League betting tips or simply a fan wondering how the next BBL season is shaping up for the team. This article will cover the important things you should know.
Moises Henriques (c), Sean Abbott, Jafer Chohan, Joel Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Akeal Hosein, Daniel Hughes, Hayden Kerr, Todd Murphy, Kurtis Patterson, Josh Philippe, Jordan Silk, Steve Smith, and James Vince.
On September 1, 2024, the draft for the upcoming BBL was held. The Sixers retained James Vince, and the only pre-signed player was Hosein. They passed on Jafer Chohan from England. Chohan is a promising talent, but the team might be looking to focus on other areas of their squad or have confidence in their existing players.
Based on their current lineup, the Sixers are looking pretty in shape for the upcoming season. But which players can contribute to bringing them their fourth title? Let’s take a closer look:
Josh Philippe: Philippe's BBL career strike rate is 144, vital for the Sixers' aggressive starts. He can single-handedly dismantle attacks in the powerplay, as seen in his 104(52) against the Strikers last season. Inconsistency is his weakness, so if he fires early, the Sixers are tough to stop.
Sean Abbott: Abbott consistently delivers with pace, swing, and crucial death over execution. His BBL|13 economy was under 8, impressive for someone bowling at the death. Other teams will have to watch out for his battles against top-order batsmen, especially in the powerplay and at the death.
Moises Henriques (c): Henriques is a true all-around player who is more than just a captain. His knack for playing crucial innings under pressure often turns the tide in favor of his team, and he’s also good for his medium pace when it comes to bowling. He's not that flashy, but he consistently contributes with bat and ball. His captaincy could be key in pressure situations and adapting to different opponents.
Akeal Hosein: This guy is their new spin weapon. Hosein was a shrewd pick in the draft. His left-arm orthodox brings variety, and his international T20 economy is excellent (under 7). He'll be crucial against right-handers, especially in the middle overs. Watch for his matchups against power hitters, as he'll be tasked with controlling the run rate.
What Could Be Done To Not Repeat Last Year’s Miss?
Fans would say last season hurt as it could’ve been a monumental win for the Sixers. So, just in case they do end up playing at the final again, here are the things that the team could work on:
Middle-Order Stability: Jordan Silk and Kurtis Patterson need to step up in the middle order. Silk, who scored 363 runs last season, should aim to maintain his consistency, especially against spinners where he struggled.
Death Bowling: Sean Abbott and Ben Dwarshuis must tighten their death bowling. Abbott has had 26 wickets last season, and this time, he needs to ensure he doesn't leak runs in the final overs. Dwarshuis should focus on his yorkers and variations to keep the batsmen in check.
Fielding: Josh Philippe and James Vince should lead by example in the field. Philippe’s agility behind the stumps and Vince’s sharp fielding can save crucial runs and affect run-outs, which can be game-changing in tight matches.
Spinning: If Todd Murphy and Akeal Hosein will be on the field, they need to be effective in the middle overs. Murphy should aim to control the run rate and take key wickets.
It will be a tough season for The Sixers, especially with the pressure for those hoping that they’ll show the same strengths they showcased last season but get the title. So, don’t miss out on the matches. The 2023-24 Big Bash League will start on December 15, 2024, until January 27, 2025.
The Sixers will still compete against 7 other teams, and the season will have a total of 44 matches. Don’t miss out on the action as matches are still expected to be broadcast on Channel 7 and be available to stream on 7 Plus in Australia. In India, the tournament will be streamed on Disney+ Hotstar and live on Star Sports Network.
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