Rain forces no result as Hurricanes seal playoffs spot

Match 31 of the BBL between the Sydney Sixers and Hobart Hurricanes was abandoned due to persistent rain. The Hurricanes became the first team to qualify for the playoffs after points were shared, while the Sixers climbed to third on the table.

The game marked Steve Smith's return to the BBL following the Ashes. He partnered with Babar Azam to open the innings for the Sixers after they were asked to bat first.

Tight bowling from the Hurricanes mostly kept the batters in check, with the PowerPlay yielding only 25 runs. Sixers fans had a couple of moments to cheer, including Smith's six over deep mid-wicket in the second over and a cover drive from Babar in the fourth.

Only one more over was possible after the PowerPlay before unrelenting rain set in over the SCG.

Brief Scores: Sydney Sixers 32/0 in 5 overs (Steve Smith 19*, Babar Azam 9*) vs Hobart Hurricanes – no result.