Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Sixers BBL Preview: Hobart will look to upset the champions

The Hobart Hurricanes will host defending champions Sydney Sixers in the opening match of the Big Bash League 2020/21 (BBL10). This match will be played at the Blundstone Arena on Thursday.

The Hurricanes finished BBL09 in fourth place and will start this match as outsiders. However, they have won four of their last five matches against the Sixers and will fancy their chances.

The Hurricanes made it to the playoffs last season by finishing fourth in the group phase. However, they couldn't go beyond the playoffs.

It was the opening partnership between Matthew Wade and D'Arcy Short that was crucial for the Hurricanes last season. They have put in 50+ partnerships in 11 of their 22 innings together and will be crucial for their chances.

Dawid Malan will miss the first four games but Colin Ingram is there as cover. Keemo Paul and Sandeep Lamichhane will join the squad only after Christmas, but Johan Botha will be available to provide spin options. Wade will not be available for selection due to international duty which puts Short into the forefront of things.

The Sixers had a near-perfect season last year lifting the trophy. Key players like Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Sean Abbott, and Nathan Lyon are expected to play minor roles later in the season.

England all-rounder Tom Curran has withdrawn due to the demands of moving from one bubble to another. However, James Vince and Carlos Brathwaite will provide experience and depth for the Sixers.

Like we said earlier, most of the Sixers' international players are out of contention due to national duty. West Indies' captain Jason Holder is currently touring West Indies, but James Vince and Brathwaite can be good selections. 

The Hurricanes have a 6-5 win-loss record against the Sixers. However, Hobart Hurricanes have won four of the last five completed matches against Sydney Sixers.

Last season, the Hurricanes defeated the Sixers by 25 runs at Alice Springs, while the match at the Sydney Cricket Ground was abandoned.

This will be an interesting start to the tournament, as both teams are no where near where they want to be. Key players are going to be missed by both Hurricanes and Sixers. The Hurricanes will surely miss Matthew Wade, while the Sixers will hope their bowling gives them the slight edge.

Sydney Sixers were in the best of form last season when they went all the way to the title. Continuing that form and starting on the right foot might be a bit tough considering the key players they are missing. That said, even the Hobart Hurricanes are missing out on certain important players. This could boil down to how well the batsmen adapt quickly. 

D'Arcy Short could be the difference with his form, while the Sixers will be strong picks for the powerplay scores.