2024-25 Big Bash League Preview: Sydney Sixers
As the 14th edition of Australia’s Big Bash League draws ever closer, we’re previewing the tournament by analysing all eight squads in depth.
This piece sees us focus on three-time Big Bash League winners and BBL 13 runners-up, Sydney Sixers.
Captain: Moises Henriques
Head Coach: Greg Shipperd
Confirmed Overseas Players: James Vince (ENG), Akeal Hosein (WI), Jafar Chohan (ENG)
Last Season: Runners-up
Betting Analysis: Batting
Sydney Sixers have been renowned over the years for a batting line-up packed full of depth. From Daniel Hughes, James Vince and Josh Philippe at the top of the order, right down to the likes of skipper Moises Henriques, Jordan Silk and Sean Abbott, who so often provide crucial cameos to get the Sixers over the line. Bettors should pay special attention to Hughes, who starred across the English summer in the T20 Blast and it would be no surprise if he was to bring that form to BBL 14.
Overseas star Vince is a long-serving Sixers player and averages over 30 at the top of the order, racking up 1785 BBL runs across his career. So far. Sydney Sixers also have the ultimate wildcard of Australian international star Steve Smith up their sleeve, but with Test commitments ruling him out of the competition initially, we are unlikely to see him don the Magenta until January.
Betting Analysis: Bowling
When assessing the bowling of Sydney Sixers, it’s hard to look beyond Sean Abbott, a consistent ace for the Sixers whether it be in the powerplay, at the death, or even in the middle overs. The highest wicket-taker in BBL history, no player can match his 165 scalps recorded so far and Abbott is key to the success of this team. In any Sixers fixture in which Abbott features, the 32-year is well worth backing to finish as his side’s top bowler. But if an international call-up affects his availability, it would be a massive blow for the Sixers.
The experienced Jackson Bird is a solid option, whilst West Indian overseas signing Akeal Hosein offers some stardust with his slow left-arm spin-bowling. But the Sydney Sixers bowler who should garner most attention from bettors alongside Abbott is Ben Dwarshius. Only two players (both from Brisbane Heat) accumulated more wickets than Dwarshius’ 17 across last season’s competition.
Sydney Sixers Prediction: Seventh Consecutive Play-Off Campaign Likely
A consistent presence in the play-offs down the years (each of the last six seasons to be precise), it’s hard not to see Sydney Sixers making it to the latter stages of the BBL again this time around. Their batting unit remains packed full of match winners among the top order and with the depth to match. Abbott potentially missing games early on should be noted though, as that would significantly weaken the Sixers’ bowling attack. Expect them to pile on plenty of runs though, that should lead to several positive results throughout the league stage. Throw in the savvy Henriques as captain and the Sixers have the tools to potentially return to the final.
