As the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 season comes close to its final showdown on Wednesday, January 21, the Hobart Hurricanes defeated the Melbourne Stars by three runs in a rain-curtailed game at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart to keep their title defence alive. The Ben McDermott-led Hurricanes defended the total despite putting a halt in several ways to make way for the Challenger, where they will lock horns with the Sydney Sixers.
For the unversed, the Stars won the toss and invited the Hobart-based franchise to bat first. In a reduced game of 10 overs per side, the Ben McDermott-led side posted 114 runs on the board. In reply, they restricted the Stars to 81/4 in a seven-over per side game to register a three-run win via the DLS method. With this, the Marcus Stoinis-led side ended their campaign, whereas the Hurricanes set up a clash against the Sydney Sixers.
Winner of Challenger to take on Perth Scorchers in BBL 15 Final
Earlier on January 20 in the BBL 2025-26 Qualifier, table-toppers Perth Scorchers defeated Sydney Sixers by 48 runs at the Optus Stadium to seal a berth in the BBL 2025-26 final. As a result, the Sixers moved to the Challenger, where they will get one more opportunity to fight after finishing second on the points table.
While the Challenger is scheduled to be held on Friday, January 23 at the Sydney Cricket Ground, the winner will then take on the Perth Scorchers on January 25 in the summit clash in Perth. If the Scorchers take the title, they will continue to dominate the T20 league with six titles, but if it goes to Sydney Sixers way, it will be their fourth title, whereas for Hobart Hurricanes, it will be their second.
BBL FAQs
- Which is the most successful team in BBL history?
Perth Scorchers are the most successful team in BBL history, having won the title five times.
- Which team won the inaugural title in the BBL?
Sydney Sixers won the first-ever BBL title, beating Perth Scorchers by seven wickets.
- Who are the defending champions of BBL 2025-26?
Hobart Hurricanes are the defending champions of BBL 2025-26 after they lifted their first-ever title in BBL 14.
