Sydney lost the Qualifier but earned another bite of the cherry by finishing second in the Big Bash League standings. Their safeguard is a BBL Challenger clash with Hobart, who very nearly snatched defeat from the jaws of victory in a brief but thrilling Knockout.
It feels fitting, then, that the league meeting between Sydney and Hobart at the SCG a fortnight ago was washed out with Steve Smith on 19.
All too often the Australia vice-captain has been the lone man holding back the tide. Sam Curran has had his moments, most notably the half-century that secured their place in the Qualifier, but he’s now departed for international duty. The Sixers need more from Pakistan skipper Babar Azam.
Ben McDermott captained Hobart for their midweek victory, and will continue to if Nathan Ellis isn’t able to recover from his unspecified injury. Regardless of the Sixers’ issues with the bat, with Mitchell Starc now in the BBL flow the Hurricanes are going to be up against it.
Read on for our guide on where to watch BBL Challenger live streams online, on TV and potentially for free wherever you are.
Can I watch BBL Challenger free of charge?
Yes. Sydney vs Hobart is free-to-air in Australia, courtesy of 7Mate and the 7Plus streaming service.
7Plus registration requires a valid Aussie postcode (e.g. NSW 2000).
Traveling abroad right now? You can use a VPN to watch all the action free of charge as if you were right at home. NordVPN is our top pick of 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 dedicated cricket streaming service Willow TV in the US.
If you don’t have it as part of your cable package, you can watch Willow’s Sydney vs Hobart coverage through your choice of Sling TV’s Desi Binge Plus or Dakshin Flex plans – starting from $10 per month.
Visiting the US from Australia? Use NordVPN to watch 7Plus’ free Big Bash League coverage.
How to watch BBL Challenger live streams in the UK
Sydney vs Hobart, along with every game of the 2025/26 Big Bash League, is being shown on Sky Sports in the UK, via the Sky Sports Cricket channel.
Sky Sports plans start from £35/month or £20 if you’re an existing Sky subscriber. Alternatively, grab a Now Sports subscription from £14.99/day or £34.99/month.
Outside the UK right now? Use NordVPN to access your preferred coverage of the BBL Challenger.
How to watch BBL Challenger live streams in Australia
Sydney vs Hobart is free-to-air in Australia on Channel 7, with live streaming available via the network’s 7Plus platform.
Just bear in mind that you’ll need a valid Australian postcode, such as 2000, to create an account.
BBL Challenger coverage is also available on Fox Cricket via Foxtel, with 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’re currently out of Australia but want to watch a BBL Challenger live stream, you’ll need to get yourself a VPN, as per 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? Use NordVPN to access 7Plus’ free Sydney vs Hobart coverage while away from home.
How to watch BBL Challenger live streams in New Zealand
Sky Sport NZ is showing the BBL Challenger in New Zealand
You can access Sky Sport through satellite TV or get a Sydney vs Hobart live stream via the Sky Sport Now subscription service, starting at $29.99 per day or $54.99 per month.
If you’re away from New Zealand right now, use NordVPN to gain access to your usual subscriptions.
How to watch BBL Challenger live streams in South Africa
The BBL Challenger is being shown on Supersport in South Africa.
You’ll need to get a DStv access package to tune into Sydney vs Hobart, with prices starting at R99/month for streaming.
Outside South Africa right now? Use NordVPN to access your home coverage of the game.
What time does the BBL Challenger start?
The Sydney Sixers vs Hobart Hurricanes game 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 has streaming services that you can access through mobile apps or via your phone’s browser.
You can also stay up-to-date with all of the key BBL moments on the Big Bash League’s official social media 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. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
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