Sydney lost the qualifiers but gained another bite of the cherry by finishing second in the Big Bash League standings. Their backup is a BBL Challenger clash with Hobart, who nearly snatched defeat from the jaws of victory in a brief but thrilling knockout.
So it seems fitting that the championship encounter between Sydney and Hobart at the SCG a fortnight ago was canceled with Steve Smith on the 19th.
Too often, the Australian vice-captain has been the one to stem the tide. Sam Curran has had his highlights, including the half-century that secured his place in the qualifiers, but he is now off on international duty. The Sixers need more from Pakistan skipper Babar Azam.
Ben McDermott captained Hobart to their midweek victory and will continue to do so if Nathan Ellis is unable to recover from his unspecified injury. Regardless of the Sixers’ problems with the bat, with Mitchell Starc now in the BBL flow, the Hurricanes are going to face it.
Read our guide on where to watch BBL Challenger live streams online, on TV and potentially free wherever you are.
Can I watch BBL Challenger for free?
Yes. Sydney vs Hobart is streaming for free in Australia, courtesy of 7 Mate and the 7Plus streaming service.
7Plus registration requires a valid Australian postcode (e.g. NSW 2000).
Are you traveling abroad at the moment? You can use a VPN to watch all the action for free as if you were at home. NordVPN is our top pick among the options.
Use a VPN to watch any BBL Challenger stream
How to watch BBL Challenger live streams in the US
The BBL Challenger is available to watch on the dedicated cricket streaming service Willow TV in the United States.
If you don’t have it in your cable package, you can watch Willow’s Sydney vs Hobart coverage via your choice. Sling TV Desi Binge More Or Dakshin Flex plans – from from $10 per month.
Visiting the United States from Australia? To use NordVPN to watch 7Plus’ free coverage of the Big Bash League.
How to watch BBL Challenger live streams in the UK
Sydney vs Hobart, as well as every match of the 2025/26 Big Bash League, is broadcast on Aerial sports in the United Kingdom, via the Sky Sports Cricket channel.
Sky Sports packages start from £35/month or £20 if you’re already a Sky subscriber. You can also purchase a Now Sports subscription from £14.99/day or £34.99/month.
Outside the UK at the moment? To use NordVPN to access your favorite BBL Challenger coverage.
How to watch BBL Challenger live streams in Australia
Sydney vs Hobart is broadcast for free in Australia on Channel 7, with a live stream available via the network. 7Plus Platform.
Just keep in mind that you will need a valid Australian postcode, such as 2000, to create an account.
BBL Challenger coverage is also available on Fox Cricket via Foxtelwith live streaming available via Kayo Sports. Kayo Sports starts at AU$30 per month after a 7-day free trial. Or you can get your first month for AU$1.
If you are currently outside Australia but want to watch a BBL Challenger live stream, you will need to get a VPNaccording to the instructions above.
How to watch BBL Challenger live streams in India
Cricket fans in India need Star Sports to watch the BBL Challenger on TV or the JioHotstar app to tune in on mobile devices. Prices start at Rs. 299 ($3.49) for Hotstar.
Visiting India from Australia? To use NordVPN to access 7Plus’ free Sydney vs Hobart coverage when you’re away from home.
How to watch BBL Challenger live streams in New Zealand
Sky Sport Reviews presents the BBL Challenger in New Zealand
You can access Sky Sport via satellite TV or get a Sydney vs Hobart live stream via the Sky Sport Now subscription servicestarting at $29.99 per day or $54.99 per month.
If you are currently away from New Zealand, use NordVPN to access your usual subscriptions.
How to watch BBL Challenger live streams in South Africa
The BBL Challenger is featured on Supersport in South Africa.
You will need to obtain a DStv access package to tune into Sydney vs Hobart, with prices starting at R99/month for streaming.
Out of South Africa at the moment? To use NordVPN to access your coverage of the home game.
What time does the BBL Challenger start?
The Sydney Sixers vs Hobart Hurricanes match is scheduled to start at 3:15am ET / 12:15am PT / 8:15am GMT / 7:15pm AEDT on Friday, January 23.
Can I follow the Big Bash Challenger on my mobile?
Of course! Each of the major broadcasters offers streaming services that you can access through mobile apps or through your phone’s browser.
You can also stay updated with all the key moments from the BBL on the official Big Bash League social channels on Instagram (@BBL), TikTok (@BigBash) and Facebook (@BBL).
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Access a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protect your online security and strengthen your online privacy abroad. We do not support or condone illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consumption of paid pirated content is not endorsed or endorsed by Future Publishing.
