Match Details
- Match: Melbourne Stars vs Brisbane Heat, Match 4, BBL 2024-25
- Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
- Date & Time: Wednesday, December 18, 1:45 PM IST
- Live Broadcast & Streaming: Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar (app and website)
Melbourne Stars vs Brisbane: The iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) will host Match 4 of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2024-25 as the Melbourne Stars (STA) take on the Brisbane Heat (HEA). This will mark Brisbane Heat’s first appearance this season, while the Stars, led by Marcus Stoinis, are looking to bounce back after suffering a six-wicket defeat to Perth Scorchers in their opening game. Brisbane Heat, fresh from their title-winning campaign in the previous edition, will aim to start their season on a strong note.
Pitch Report
The MCG surface offers a fair contest between bat and ball. Pacers are expected to get assistance with the new ball, especially early on, while batters can settle in and capitalize during the middle overs. The track tends to slow down slightly, which brings spinners into play, especially with the larger boundary dimensions making big shots more challenging. Batters who spend time at the crease will reap the rewards.
Head-to-Head Record
- Matches Played: 19
- Melbourne Stars Won: 7
- Brisbane Heat Won: 12
- Tied/No Result: 0
Brisbane Heat have had the upper hand historically, winning 12 out of 19 encounters.
Last 5 Meetings
- December 7, 2023 – Brisbane Heat won by 103 runs.
- January 22, 2023 – Brisbane Heat won by 4 runs.
- January 16, 2023 – Brisbane Heat won by 3 wickets (with 0 balls remaining).
- January 16, 2022 – Melbourne Stars won by 8 wickets (with 37 balls remaining).
- December 27, 2021 – Melbourne Stars won by 20 runs.
Form Guide
Melbourne Stars: L, L, L, L, W
Brisbane Heat: W, L, L, W, W
- Stars are struggling for form, losing four of their last five games.
- Brisbane Heat, on the other hand, finished last season strongly and will look to build on that momentum.
Melbourne Stars vs Brisbane Lineups
Melbourne Stars (Predicted XI)
- SB Harper (wk)
- HWR Cartwright
- MP Stoinis (C)
- BJ Webster
- Campbell Kellaway
- TK Curran
- Mark Steketee
- Brody Couch
- JM Clarke
- AF Milne
- PM Siddle
Brisbane Heat (Predicted XI)
- Jimmy Peirson (wk)
- Max Bryant
- C Munro (C)
- TP Alsop
- Matt Renshaw
- PI Walter
- Michael Neser
- Xavier Bartlett
- SH Johnson
- Mitchell Swepson
- Jack Wildermuth
Key Players
Melbourne Stars
- Marcus Stoinis: The captain will need to lead from the front with both bat and ball after a strong start with 37 runs in the season opener.
- Tom Curran: Contributed 37 runs with the bat in the last game and remains a key all-rounder.
- Beau Webster: A versatile performer with contributions in both departments (6 wickets in recent outings).
Brisbane Heat
- Matt Renshaw: A consistent batter who can anchor the innings.
- Spencer Johnson: A key bowler with 18 wickets in his last 10 games.
- Xavier Bartlett: Known for his wicket-taking ability (18 wickets with an 11.83 strike rate).
Melbourne Stars vs Brisbane Prediction
Given Brisbane Heat’s strong head-to-head record and momentum from last season, they appear to have the upper hand. However, the Melbourne Stars have the home advantage and will be eager to get their first win of the season. Expect a closely fought contest with both teams relying on their all-rounders and bowlers to make a difference.
Prediction: Brisbane Heat to edge out Melbourne Stars in a tight encounte
Where to Watch Melbourne Stars vs Brisbane
- Live Broadcast: Star Sports Network
- Live Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar (app and website)
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