HUR vs THU 3rd Match Preview & Prediction: The Big Bash League 2025 continues with its 3rd fixture as Hobart Hurricanes take on Sydney Thunder at the Bellerive Oval, Hobart, on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, starting at 01:45 PM.
The Hobart Hurricanes are the defending champions and will be looking to start their title defence with a win at home. With a balanced team featuring powerful hitters and quality bowlers, the Hurricanes look poised for another strong performance.
Compare skill-based fantasy apps here →
Meanwhile, the Sydney Thunder finished third last season and lost to Hobart in the final. Led by David Warner, the Thunder will see this match as a great opportunity for revenge. A win in their opening match would give them momentum and confidence right from the start of the tournament.
In this article, we take a look at the HUR vs THU Match Preview, Pitch Report, Prediction, and Stats.
Match Details – HUR vs THU 3rd Match
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Thunder, 3rd Match |
| Date | Tuesday, 16th December 2025 |
| Time | 01:40 PM |
| Venue | Bellerive Oval, Hobart |
| Live Streaming | JioHotstar / Star Sports |
| Format | T20 |
HUR vs THU Team Preview & Analysis
Hobart Hurricanes
After winning the BBL last year, the Hobart Hurricanes will enter the new season with full confidence. Their team once again looks balanced and strong in both the batting and bowling departments.
The batting lineup is spearheaded by players like Mitch Owen, Ben McDermott, Tim David, and Matthew Wade, all of whom can change the course of a match in just a few overs. Having experienced finishers will be a great asset for Hobart in pressure situations.
In the bowling department, Nathan Ellis, Riley Meredith, and Chris Jordan provide pace and accuracy, while Rehan Ahmed and Rishad Hossain offer spin bowling options in the middle overs.
Players to watch out for:
- Mitch Owen
- Tim David
- Nathan Ellis
Sydney Thunder
After a disappointing performance against Hobart last season, the Sydney Thunder will be looking for a strong start. The Thunder, led by David Warner, boast a good mix of experience and youth.
Warner, Sam Konstas, and Cameron Bancroft will play crucial roles in the top order. The middle order features aggressive batsmen like Ollie Davies and Sam Billings, who can accelerate the scoring rate when needed.
In the bowling department, Chris Green will lead the spin attack, supported by Tanveer Sangha and Shadab Khan/Tom Andrews, while Reece Topley will provide left-arm pace with the new ball.
Players to watch out for:
- David Warner
- Chris Green
- Reece Topley
HUR vs THU Predicted Playing XI
Hobart Hurricanes:
Mitch Owen, Tim Ward, Nikhil Chaudhary, Ben McDermott, Tim David, Matthew Wade (wk), Rehan Ahmed, Chris Jordan, Nathan Ellis (c), Riley Meredith, Rishad Hossain
Sydney Thunder:
David Warner (c), Sam Konstas, Cameron Bancroft, Ollie Davies, Sam Billings (wk), Chris Green, Nathan McAndrew, Ryan Hadley, Reece Topley, Tanveer Sangha, Shadab Khan / Tom Andrews
HUR vs THU Pitch Report – Bellerive Oval, Hobart
Bellerive Oval is traditionally known for assisting bowlers early in the innings. Fast bowlers enjoy movement with the new ball, while batting becomes easier once players get set.
-
Pitch Type: Balanced
-
Early Overs: Help for pacers
-
Middle Overs: Batters can settle and score freely
-
Average 1st Innings Score: 150–160
Toss Prediction: Bowl first
(Chasing teams have had better success here)
Weather Forecast – Bellerive Oval, Hobart, Dec 16, 2025
| Time | Temp | Rain | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01:00 PM | 21°C | 0% | Clear |
| 04:00 PM | 18°C | 0% | Light clouds |
| 06:00 PM | 15°C | 0% | Cool evening |
Conditions:
- No rain
- Cool and pleasant weather
- Ideal for a full match
HUR vs THU 3rd Match Win Prediction
Both teams start the season evenly matched. Hobart has home advantage and championship confidence, while Sydney Thunder bring strong batting firepower.
| Team | Winning Chance | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Hobart Hurricanes | 50% | Home advantage, balanced squad |
| Sydney Thunder | 50% | Strong top order, revenge motivation |
Prediction:
Team bowling first to win the match