Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Sixers: The Melbourne Stars face the Sydney Sixers in the 28th match of the Big Bash League 2024-25 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Stars are struggling at the bottom of the table with only two wins from seven games, while the Sixers lead the league with four victories from six matches. This encounter promises to be a crucial clash as both teams look to strengthen their positions in the league.
Match Details
- Match: 28th Match (N), Big Bash League 2024-25
- Date: January 9, 2025
- Time: 1:45 PM IST
- Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
Pitch Report
- Nature of the Surface: The MCG offers a well-balanced pitch, providing good bounce and pace for fast bowlers, while spinners typically have a minimal impact.
- Scoring Expectations:
- Average 1st Innings Score: 147 (last 10 matches)
- Highest Successful Chase: 173 runs
- Competitive Total: 160+
Toss Prediction
Teams bowling first have an edge at the MCG, with 6 wins in the last 10 T20 matches favoring the chasing side. Both teams have strong bowling units and might prefer to bowl first to exploit the conditions.
Weather Impact
Cloudy skies are expected in Melbourne on match day, with temperatures peaking at 30°C. No rain is forecasted, ensuring a full, uninterrupted match.
Match Statistics
| Statistic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 72 |
| Matches Won Batting 1st | 30 |
| Matches Won Batting 2nd | 41 |
| Tie | 1 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 158 |
| Highest Score | Melbourne Stars 273/2 |
| Lowest Score | Adelaide Strikers 68/10 |
Scoring Pattern
| Score Range | Matches |
|---|---|
| Below 150 | 30 |
| 150-169 | 17 |
| 170-189 | 20 |
| Above 190 | 5 |
Head-to-Head Record
| Location | Melbourne Stars Wins | Sydney Sixers Wins |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 8 | 15 |
| At MCG | 4 | 7 |
Recent Head-to-Head (Last 5 Matches)
| Date | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|
| 26-Dec-2024 | Sixers | 8 wickets (with 11 balls remaining) |
| 06-Jan-2024 | Sixers | 7 wickets (with 11 balls remaining) |
| 26-Dec-2023 | Stars | 4 wickets (with 3 balls remaining) |
| 06-Jan-2023 | Sixers | 6 wickets (with 1 ball remaining) |
| 26-Dec-2022 | Sixers | 7 wickets (with 5 balls remaining) |
Team News: Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Sixers
Melbourne Stars
The Melbourne Stars have had a challenging season, sitting last on the table with just two wins from seven matches. They will be desperate to turn things around in this crucial encounter. Their batting lineup, led by Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell, has the potential to post big scores, while the bowling attack featuring Adam Zampa and Nathan Coulter-Nile will aim to restrict the formidable Sydney Sixers’ lineup.
Sydney Sixers
The Sydney Sixers are in top form, leading the table with four wins from six matches. Their batting is powered by Josh Philippe and Moises Henriques, while the bowling attack is spearheaded by Sean Abbott and Ben Dwarshuis. Captain Moises Henriques will be keen to maintain their dominance and secure another victory to solidify their position at the top.
Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Sixers Lineups
Melbourne Stars Predicted Playing XI:
- Joe Clarke (wk)
- Marcus Stoinis
- Glenn Maxwell (c)
- Beau Webster
- Hilton Cartwright
- Nick Larkin
- Clint Hinchliffe
- Nathan Coulter-Nile
- Adam Zampa
- Liam Hatcher
- Brody Couch
Sydney Sixers Predicted Playing XI:
- Josh Philippe (wk)
- James Vince
- Moises Henriques (c)
- Jordan Silk
- Dan Christian
- Hayden Kerr
- Sean Abbott
- Ben Dwarshuis
- Chris Jordan
- Steve O’Keefe
- Todd Murphy
Key Players to Watch
Batters to Watch (Recent Stats):
- Marcus Stoinis (MS): 7 matches • 218 runs • 31.14 avg • 143.42 SR
- Glenn Maxwell (MS): 7 matches • 190 runs • 27.14 avg • 136.69 SR
- Josh Philippe (SS): 6 matches • 234 runs • 39.00 avg • 138.82 SR
- Moises Henriques (SS): 6 matches • 210 runs • 42.00 avg • 129.19 SR
Bowlers to Watch (Recent Stats):
- Adam Zampa (MS): 7 matches • 11 wickets • 7.36 econ • 19.45 SR
- Nathan Coulter-Nile (MS): 7 matches • 9 wickets • 8.10 econ • 23.33 SR
- Sean Abbott (SS): 6 matches • 13 wickets • 7.15 econ • 13.69 SR
- Ben Dwarshuis (SS): 6 matches • 10 wickets • 8.20 econ • 18.60 SR
Match Squads
Melbourne Stars:
Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Glenn Maxwell (c), Joe Clarke (wk), Hilton Cartwright, Clint Hinchliffe, Brody Couch, Nick Larkin, Beau Webster, Liam Hatcher
- In: Brody Couch, Liam Hatcher
- Out: Andre Russell, Tom Rogers
Sydney Sixers:
Josh Philippe (wk), James Vince, Moises Henriques (c), Jordan Silk, Dan Christian, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Chris Jordan, Steve O’Keefe, Todd Murphy, Hayden Kerr
- In: Chris Jordan
- Out: Jackson Bird
Fantasy XI:
- Batters: Marcus Stoinis (C), Josh Philippe, Glenn Maxwell, Moises Henriques (VC)
- All-rounders: Dan Christian, Hilton Cartwright, Sean Abbott
- Bowlers: Adam Zampa, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Ben Dwarshuis, Chris Jordan
Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Sixers Prediction
The Sydney Sixers hold a slight edge due to their consistent performances and balanced squad. However, the Melbourne Stars’ potential to deliver under pressure cannot be underestimated. Expect a closely contested match with the Sixers having a slight upper hand.
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