BBL Match Prediction | Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Sixers | Big Bash League 2024-25 | Match 28 | Jan 09 – Can MS stand against the table topper SS?

MS vs SS Match Analysis

Melbourne Stars and Sydney Sixers will play each other in the Big Bash League 2024-25 28th Match on January 09, 2025, at 02:15 PM BST at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne. Having won their last game here by chasing down 169 with 5 wickets in hand, Melbourne Stars will be confident and aim for a third consecutive win.

Sydney Sixers experienced a significant batting collapse in their previous match against Hobart. Before this setback, they had been outstanding with the bat, successfully chasing a 195-run target against the Melbourne Stars at home.

MS vs SS Team Preview & Squads

Melbourne Stars

The Melbourne Stars have returned to winning form after enduring five consecutive losses. Despite their recent victories, concerns remain. Only a few batters carried the run chase in both wins, while much of the top order struggled to perform.

Marcus Stoinis has been in excellent form in the lower middle order and will be a key player to watch. As the team’s finisher, he has the backing of another powerful hitter, Glenn Maxwell, who bats at number six. The Stars have bolstered their lower middle order with more firepower, including Hilton Cartwright, known for his big-hitting ability, coming in at number seven.

In their last game, Cartwright smashed 24 off 12 balls, while Maxwell remained unbeaten with 20 off 10, helping the Stars chase down a 169-run target with five wickets in hand. This strong finish is a positive sign for the Stars heading into this match.

However, MS will still look for better performances from their top order. Ben Duckett, who has scored two fifties in his last three innings, is a crucial player at the top. At number four, Dan Lawrence provides the ability to play aggressive knocks and maintain the innings’ pace.

Overall, the Stars boast a solid batting lineup with plenty of big hitters and experienced T20 campaigners. On the bowling front, Joel Paris has emerged as a key wicket-taker and is in a great rhythm. While Peter Siddle has been effective with the ball, he has also been somewhat expensive. Usama Mir, with his right-arm leg spin, will be another important bowler to watch in this match.

Melbourne Stars Squads

Melbourne Stars

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

Sydney Sixers

The Sydney Sixers need a swift recovery after their winning streak was halted by a heavy loss to Hobart, where they were bowled out for just 110 while chasing 162. Captain Moises Henriques will be eager for his top-order batters to regain their form quickly as they face a strong and in-form Melbourne Stars side.

The Stars have been exceptional with the ball in recent games, presenting a significant challenge for the Sixers. Openers Josh Philippe and James Vince carry the responsibility of building a solid partnership and laying the foundation for a competitive total.

Henriques, a dependable and experienced middle-order batter, will be crucial to the Sixers’ plans. He’ll look to combine with Jordan Silk, who has proven himself as a key player with excellent finishing abilities in the past. While the Sixers’ batting lineup offers depth with Jack Edwards and Hayden Kerr slotting in at six and seven, they’ve struggled to make significant contributions lately. The top order remains the primary source of runs for the team in recent matches.

On the bowling front, the SS has a versatile attack, which is a major asset. Key pacers Ben Dwarshuis, Jackson Bird, and Hayden Kerr have been consistent wicket-takers. Meanwhile, Akeal Hosein has stood out with his economical spin and ability to pick up crucial wickets. With a balanced lineup and experienced players, the Sixers will aim to bounce back strongly in this clash.

Sydney Sixers Squads

Sydney Sixers

Steven Smith, Kurtis Patterson, Ben Manenti, Sean Abbott, Akeal Hosein, Daniel Hughes, Hayden Kerr, Joel Davies, Josh Philippe, Ben Dwarshuis, Todd Murphy, Jackson Bird, James Vince, Jafer Chohan, Moises Henriques, Jack Edwards, Jordan Silk, and Mitchell Perry.

Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Sixers outfield report 

Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne

Six out of the ten T20 matches played here have been won by teams that bowl first. Only two games have been played this season, and both have ended in favor of the side that bowled first. Both sides will support themselves to keep the opposition to a par total because they have potent bowling attacks.

On the day of the match, we anticipate cloudy skies with a high of 30 degrees Celsius in Melbourne. There are no indications of rain, so we can anticipate a continuous and thrilling match between the two sides. The average first innings total in the last ten games has been 147 runs, and the pitch is quite helpful to the bowlers. In recent games played here, the most successful run chase was 173 runs.   

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

In their last five matches, MS won 1 game and SS won 4.

Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Sixers Prediction

Cricket analysts predict the Sydney Sixers 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.