BBL Match Prediction | Big Bash League 2024-25 | Melbourne Stars vs Hobart Hurricanes | Match 40 | Jan 19 – Can MS get a place in the top four?

MS vs HH Match Analysis

Melbourne Stars and Hobart Hurricanes will play each other in the Big Bash League 2024-25 40th Match on January 19, 2025, at 02:15 PM BST at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne.

The Melbourne Stars have shown strong form in their recent games, including a victory against the Melbourne Renegades. Their success has largely relied on the performance of a few key players. They need a convincing win in this match to advance to the next round, making it intriguing to see how they rise to the challenge.

The Hobart Hurricanes come into this game with confidence after their victory over the Brisbane Heat. Having already secured their spot in the next round they face less pressure than the Melbourne Stars. With a previous win against the Stars earlier in the season, the team will draw motivation from that success.

MS vs HH Team Preview & Squads

Melbourne Stars

The Melbourne Stars have pulled off one of the most remarkable comebacks in the tournament’s history, winning four consecutive games after opening the season with five straight losses. Their latest triumph was a 42-run victory over the Melbourne Renegades. With a must-win game ahead against a formidable opponent, Stoinis will be counting on a strong performance from his team.

Ben Duckett has been in excellent form throughout the tournament and will aim to provide a solid start alongside Sam Harper. In the middle order, Stoinis must lead by example, contributing runs alongside Thomas Rogers and Beau Webster. In outstanding form, Glenn Maxwell brings the X-factor to the lineup, complemented by Hilton Cartwright in the lower middle order.

The bowling unit of MS has been impressive in recent games. Joel Paris and Mark Steketee caused significant problems for batters in their last outing and will aim to make early breakthroughs. Peter Siddle’s experience will be crucial in the middle overs, supported by Beau Webster. The contributions of Usama Mir, Stoinis, and Maxwell bolster the depth of the attack.

Melbourne Stars Squads

Melbourne Stars

Usama Mir, Adam Milne, Marcus Stoinis, Ben Duckett, Tom Curran, Campbell Kellaway, Doug Warren, Joel Paris, Sam Harper, Peter Siddle, Brody Couch, Scott Boland, Thomas Rogers, Glenn Maxwell, Joe Clarke, Jonathan Merlo, Hamish McKenzie, Hilton Cartwright, Mark Steketee.

Hobart Hurricanes

The Hobart Hurricanes delivered a stellar performance in their last game against the Brisbane Heat, securing a thrilling 5-wicket victory that went down to the final ball. The players showed great composure under pressure, and with a playoff spot already secured, Ellis will aim for another win to carry momentum into the next round.

Caleb Jewell and Mitchell Owen laid a strong foundation with an 80-run partnership in the previous game, and the team will be counting on a similar start from them. The middle order, featuring Ben McDermott, Nikhil Chaudhary, and Matthew Wade, has been reliable, and they will be expected to deliver once again. Tim David, a proven finisher, will look to contribute alongside Jake Doran in the lower middle order.

The bowling unit of HH faced challenges in the last match, and the team will need early breakthroughs from Riley Meredith and Marcus Bean with the new ball. Nathan Ellis and Peter Hatzoglou will aim to control the game during the middle overs. Additionally, the Hurricanes will rely on supporting contributions from Owen, Nikhil Chaudhary, and David to make an impact in this match.

Hobart Hurricanes Squads

Hobart Hurricanes

Charlie Wakim, Nathan Ellis, Tim David, Iain Carlisle, Riley Meredith, Jake Doran, Ben McDermott, Chris Jordan, Caleb Jewell, Mitchell Owen, Patrick Dooley, Peter Hatzoglou, Nikhil Chaudhary, Billy Stanlake, Shai Hope, Waqar Salamkheil, Macalister Wright, Rishad Hossain, Matthew Wade.

Melbourne Stars vs Hobart Hurricanes outfield report 

Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne

For sides that have scored, it has been a happy hunting field. In recent games at this location, we have witnessed low scores and difficulties for the team batting first. As a result, we anticipate that the team that wins the toss will bowl first without hesitation.

The sky over Melbourne would be clear. Batsmen would have to play to the merits of the ball because the wicket will be slow. The surface will help bowlers, and the team batting first would be pleased to score more than 180 runs on this track, where the average score is 161 runs.   

MS vs HH Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches

In their last five matches, MS won 3 games and HH won 2.

Melbourne Stars vs Hobart Hurricanes Prediction

Cricket analysts predict the Hobart Hurricanes have a 52% chance of winning.

Disclaimer: This cricket prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.