In the second match of the BBL 2025–26 on December 15, the New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter lit up Simonds Stadium in Geelong with a breathtaking century for the Melbourne Renegades against the Brisbane Heat. It wasn’t just an innings that swung the match, it was a statement, timed perfectly with the IPL 2026 mini-auction just around the corner.
Opening the batting, Seifert walked in under early pressure after Josh Brown and Mohammad Rizwan fell cheaply. What followed was a one-man counterattack. Seifert took on a quality Heat bowling attack that included Shaheen Shah Afridi and Xavier Bartlett, playing with freedom, clarity, and serious intent. He anchored the innings while keeping the scoreboard racing, scoring 44 of the team’s first 66 runs at a strike rate pushing 200.
The milestones came quickly. Seifert brought up his half-century in just 30 balls and then went into overdrive, adding the next 50 in only 23 deliveries. His final tally was 102 off 56 balls, with nine fours and six sixes, making him only the second Renegades batter after Aaron Finch to score a BBL century for the franchise. It was also his second T20 hundred this year, underlining his growing consistency in the shortest format.
Brutal, bold & brilliant hitting 🤩
Tim Seifert's sensational 102 off 56 balls in all its glory! #BBL15 pic.twitter.com/CqBkFySK6X---Advertisement---— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 15, 2025
Thanks largely to Seifert’s knock, the Renegades piled up an imposing 212 for five, a total that put the Heat firmly on the back foot and set the tone for the match.
Beyond the result, though, this innings could have serious implications off the field. With the IPL 2026 mini-auction approaching, Seifert’s stock has clearly risen. His base price sits at Rs 1.25 crore, but performances like this tend to spark bidding wars, especially for teams searching for proven overseas wicketkeeper-batters.
The market is competitive, with names like Jonny Bairstow, Jamie Smith, and Ben Duckett also in the mix. Still, not every franchise needs a foreign keeper, which narrows the field. Kolkata Knight Riders appear to be in urgent need of one, while Delhi Capitals are exploring options at the top of the order. Teams like Lucknow Super Giants and Punjab Kings could also see Seifert as a reliable backup who offers flexibility.
What works in Seifert’s favour is his versatility. He’s an aggressive opener, a tidy wicketkeeper, and capable of sliding into the XI as a specialist batter if required. His recent CPL 2025 performances showed noticeable improvement against spin, a key skill for success in Indian conditions.
Seifert’s stats
Internationally, Seifert brings experience as well. He featured in four ODIs and 77 T20Is for New Zealand, scoring 1,850 runs in the latter at a healthy average of 29.83. While his IPL numbers so far are modest, 26 runs from three matches across stints with Delhi Capitals and KKR, this BBL century might just be the innings that changes how franchises view him.
One explosive night in Geelong has put Tim Seifert firmly back in the IPL conversation. Now, all eyes turn to the auction room to see who’s willing to back that power and promise.
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