Thunder spinner Tanveer Sangha calls Sixers scared and vulnerable ahead of BBL final

The Sydney Thunder lost their only full match with cross-town rivals the Sixers this year, but a young spin star has called them out ahead of a monster BBL final.

Rising spin star Tanveer Sangha has lit the fuse for an explosive showdown in Friday’s all-Sydney showdown for a spot in the BBL final, with the Thunder gun calling out his Sixers opponents as “scared to face” his team.

After spinning the Thunder to a memorable win on Wednesday night, dismissing Glenn Maxwell, who had only been out once since January 9, Sangha said the Sixers would be “vulnerable” without their “big dogs” including Steve Smith and James Vince.

The winner of Friday night’s clash at the SCG will take on the Hobart Hurricanes in Monday night’s grand final at Hobart’s Ninja Stadium.

Glenn Maxwell is OUT.

Tanveer Sangha does the damage in a HUGE wicket for the Thunder. #BBL14pic.twitter.com/l9dA7hUV4g

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 22, 2025

Despite failing to defeat the Sixers during the regular season, losing on the last ball of their first clash before the second was washed out, Sangha said his team was going to “turn it around” having been surprise finalists under first-year captain David Warner.

“Knowing that their big dogs aren’t there, there’s no one really scoring runs for them. I think we can put them under a lot of pressure,” Sangha said.

“We’re never in the Sixers’ shadow. I think they’re always scared to face us.”

The Sixers lost 3-5 in their unsuccessful run chase against the Hurricanes on Monday night and are also without Sean Abbott and Todd Murphy who are with the Australian Test squad.

“We saw in the Hurricanes game they (the Sixers) played down in Hobart, I think early wickets can really damage them,” Sangha said.

“If we can try and do the same thing, get early wickets, put pressure on them, I think they can be vulnerable.”

Tanveer Sangha celebrates after taking Glenn Maxwell’s wicket. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Sangha said all the pressure was on the Sixers, one of the most successful teams in Big Bash history, which was a factor the Thunder could expose.

“It’s going to be a blockbuster. I think it could be the best game of the tournament,” Sangha said.

“I’m looking forward to facing the Sixers and beating them at their home ground.

“They’re expected to win. They usually beat the Thunder. I think we’re going to turn it around this year.”