Published on: Dec 15, 2025 5:45 pm IST | Updated on: Dec 15, 2025 5:45 pm IST
As the action of the Big Bash League 2025-26 continues, it’s time to witness a rerun of the final of the last season. Reigning champions Hobart Hurricanes will be hosting the last edition’s finalists, Sydney Thunder, at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart, also known as the Blundstone Arena. This will be the opening game of the season for both these teams. In this post, we have come up with free expert tips for the 3rd match of BBL 2025-26, HH vs ST, at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart.
Hobart Hurricanes are the reigning champions. Having won the title last season against this very opposition in the final, the team surely packs a punch. The presence of names like Tim David, Rishad Hossain, and Mitchell Owen makes them a formidable outfit that can give nightmares to any team. Therefore, expect the win probability meter to favor the hosts and the reigning champions, Hobart Hurricanes. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the 3rd match of BBL 2025-26, HH vs ST, at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart.
HH: 54% win chance ST: 46% win chance
The heavy hitter has been in top form for Australia in recent T20Is. He has been batting brilliantly in recent times and striking at around 190.
Owen got his baggy green cap after he played an instrumental role in helping Hurricanes claim the BBL title last season. The all-rounder will be in focus yet again for the reigning champions.
In the absence of veteran and skipper David Warner, Sam Billings will be a key figure with the bat for the Thunder. Expect him to be among the runs.
The young and exciting opener loves to take on the bowlers right from the very beginning. He will be a batter to watch out in this entire league and will be handed the responsibility to give Thunder a blistering start.
Check out our prediction for the HH vs ST first match at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart.
The Big Bash League 2025-26 kicks off with a blockbuster as reigning champions, the Hobart Hurricanes, host last season’s finalists, the Sydney Thunder, at the Bellerive Oval. This highly anticipated fixture serves as the opening game for both sides, and a winning start is what the reigning champions would be eyeing for to set an early tone for their title defense.
Under the leadership of Nathan Ellis, the Hurricanes boast a formidable squad blending experience and youthful talent. The destructive power of Tim David and Matt Wade in the batting lineup is complemented by the express pace of Riley Meredith and the all-round quality of Mitchell Owen. With exciting international inclusions like Rehan Ahmed and Rishad Hossain adding spin depth, Hobart is well-equipped.
The Thunder will be hungry for revenge after falling short in the previous final, ensuring a fierce competition. However, playing at their home ground, the Blundstone Arena, the Hurricanes are primed to deliver a dominant performance and begin their campaign with a crucial victory.
Sydney Thunder would be hoping to avenge the loss in last edition’s final as they enter the new BBL season with renewed determination and a squad packed with depth and versatility. Falling just short of the title last year has undoubtedly fueled their hunger, and this campaign presents the perfect opportunity to rewrite the ending. Led by the ever‑reliable Chris Green, the Thunder boast a balanced lineup capable of challenging any opposition.
Their batting unit features the experience of Cameron Bancroft and Sam Billings, complemented by the flair of Ollie Davies and Matt Gilkes. This blend of stability and explosiveness gives the Thunder flexibility across conditions. In the all‑round department, Daniel Sams and Shadab Khan bring immense value, offering wicket‑taking ability along with crucial lower‑order runs.
The bowling attack looks equally potent, with Reece Topley’s left‑arm angle, Nathan McAndrew’s consistency, and Tanveer Sangha’s sharp leg‑spin forming a strong core. Young talents like Sam Konstas and Charlie Anderson add further depth and energy.
With a well‑rounded squad and the motivation of last season’s heartbreak, Sydney Thunder will be eager to start strong and position themselves as serious title contenders once again. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.
Matches Played: 24 ST won: 9 HH won: 14 No Result: 1 Tied: 0 RECENT form HOBART HURRICANES: W W L L L RECENT form SYDNEY THUNDER: W NR W W L
Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Thunder have squared off against each other 24 times in BBL history. The Hurricanes have been quite dominant in this rivalry, having won 14 and lost only 9. One match between these two sides got abandoned.
How will the two teams, i.e., Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Thunder, fare in this match of the Big Bash League 2025-26? Let’s take a look.
Matthew Wade (WK), Ben McDermott, Tim Ward, Tim David, Mitch Owen, Nikhil Chaudhary, Chris Jordan, Nathan Ellis, Rishad Hossain/Rehan Ahmed, Riley Meredith, Billy Stanlake
Cameron Bancroft, Sam Konstas, Nic Maddinson, Sam Billings, Matt Gilkes (WK), Daniel Sams, Shadab Khan, Chris Green (C), Nathan McAndrew, Reece Topley, Tanveer Sangha/Ryan Hadley
Here’s the pitch and weather report for the 3rd match of the Big Bash League 2025 between Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Thunder at the Blundstone Arena in Hobart:
With Blundstone Arena expected to offer early swing and good pace under lights, the captain winning the toss is likely to bowl first. The new ball should be most effective early, while chasing has historically been comfortable on this surface, allowing teams to pace their innings with clarity.
The online live streaming of the 3rd match of the Big Bash League 2025 will take place live on the JioHotstar app. The live TV coverage for this series will be available on Star Sports Channels.
Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Thunder were the finalists of the last BBL edition. Hurricanes were triumphant and looked dominant throughout the entire season. They have a brilliant head-to-head record against this very opposition and haven’t lost to them in the last 4 completed games. All these stats are enough to say that Hurricanes will start as favorites in this game. Therefore, as per our prediction, the Hobart Hurricanes are expected to win the HH vs ST, Match 3 of the Women’s Big Bash League 2025.
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