BBL 2024-25: Stars vs Hurricanes, 40th Match Expert Prediction Who Will Win?

The 40th match of the Big Bash League 2024-25 between the Melbourne Stars and Hobart Hurricanes is set to take place on January 19, 2025, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Both teams are in excellent form, with the Stars sitting 3rd and the Hurricanes 2nd on the points table. This Stars vs Hurricanes match prediction suggests an exciting contest ahead.

The MCG pitch promises a balanced challenge, offering even bounce for batsmen and seam movement for bowlers. This creates a perfect setting for a thrilling contest. With the Stars’ power hitters like Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis, alongside their experienced bowlers Mark Steketee and Peter Siddle, they’ll aim to post a competitive total or defend one effectively.

On the other hand, the Hurricanes, led by big-hitters Tim David and Mitchell Owen, will be keen to chase down any target set by the Stars. Their bowlers, including Riley Meredith and Nathan Ellis, will look to exploit the early movement and apply pressure.

The MCG conditions generally favor chasing, so both teams will be strategizing accordingly. With both teams in great form and boasting match-winners, this Stars vs Hurricanes match prediction expects the result to go down to the wire.

Stars vs Hurricanes Match Info

• Teams: Melbourne Stars vs Hobart Hurricanes
• Date: Sunday, January 19, 2025
• Time: 1:45 PM (local time)
• Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne

Pitch Report & Weather Forecast

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is set to host the Big Bash League match between the Melbourne Stars and Hobart Hurricanes on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at 1:45 PM local time. Here is The Pitch Report and Weather Forecast at Match Day

Pitch Report:

The MCG pitch offers a balanced contest between bat and ball. Batsmen can capitalize on the consistent bounce and pace, while bowlers who maintain disciplined lines are likely to find assistance.

Fast bowlers may experience early seam movement and spongy bounce, whereas spinners are expected to play a significant role during the middle overs. The average first-innings score is typically between 160-170 runs. Teams might prefer to chase, considering the dew factor in evening games.

“At the MCG, you can expect a pitch that offers something for everyone. Batsmen will enjoy the even bounce and carry, but bowlers who hit the right areas can extract good seam movement early on. It’s a venue that rewards all-round cricket, making for a competitive contest.”

– Shane Warne, Former Australian Cricketer.

Weather Forecast:

On January 19, 2025, Melbourne is expected to experience clear and hot conditions. The forecasted high is 92°F (33°C) with a low of 63°F (17°C). Sunrise is at 6:03 AM, and sunset at 8:08 PM, providing approximately 14 hours of daylight. These conditions are ideal for cricket, though players and spectators should take precautions against the heat. (Source Weather25)

Last 5 Match Results at Melbourne Cricket Ground (BBL 2024-25)

Here are the results of the last five Big Bash League (BBL) matches held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) during the 2024-25 season:

The matches at the MCG showcase just how thrilling and competitive the games can be. Whether it’s high-scoring chases or nail-biting defenses, teams have found ways to shine.

The pitch strikes a perfect balance, giving both batsmen and bowlers a fair shot at success. Whether a team bats first or decides to chase, the MCG offers plenty of opportunities for everyone to make their mark.

Stars vs Hurricanes Head-to-Head Stats

The rivalry between the Melbourne Stars and Hobart Hurricanes has been a closely contested battle in the Big Bash League.

In their previous 17 encounters, the Melbourne Stars have secured 9 victories, while the Hobart Hurricanes have won 8 matches.

Team	Stars	Hurricanes
Total Matches	17	17
Wins	9	8

As they prepare for their 18th clash in the Big Bash League 2024-25, both teams will be keen to tip the balance in their favor and claim an important win in this competitive rivalry.

Team Form and Current Standing

Team	Form	Position on Table
Stars	W, W, W, W, L	3rd
Hurricanes	W, W, W, A, W	2nd

Both teams are in top form, with the Hobart Hurricanes sitting in the 2nd position and the Melbourne Stars closely following in 3rd. This match will be crucial for both teams as they aim to solidify their standings in the league.

Players to Watch – Batters and Bowlers

As the match between Melbourne Stars and Hobart Hurricanes approaches, here are some key batters and bowlers to keep an eye on, based on their recent performances:

Batters to Watch

Player	Mt	Runs	Avg	SR
Marcus Stoinis	10	312	31.2	130.54
Glenn Maxwell	8	253	42.17	182.01
Mitchell Owen	9	271	33.88	180.66
Tim David	10	240	40	181.81

Bowlers to Watch

Player	Mt	Wkts	Econ	SR
Mark Steketee	4	11	7	8.18
Peter Siddle	8	11	7.06	16.45
Riley Meredith	10	12	9.05	18.5
Nathan Ellis	9	10	8.15	20.4

These players have been in impressive form recently, and their contributions could be game-changers in this match.

Melbourne Stars vs Hobart Hurricanes Predicted Playing XI

Melbourne Stars Playing XI Prediction

• Ben Duckett
• Thomas Fraser Rogers
• Daniel Lawrence
• Marcus Stoinis (C)
• Glenn Maxwell
• Sam Harper
• Hilton Cartwright
• Usama Mir
• Mark Steketee
• Joel Paris
• Peter Siddle

Hobart Hurricanes Playing XI Prediction

• Mitchell Owen
• Matthew Wade
• Peter Hatzoglou
• Ben McDermott
• Nikhil Chaudhary
• Tim David
• Chris Jordan
• Nathan Ellis (C)
• Riley Meredith
• Billy Stanlake
• Patrick Dooley

Fantasy Cricket Picks for Melbourne Stars vs Hobart Hurricanes

For the 40th match of the Big Bash League 2024-25 between the Melbourne Stars and Hobart Hurricanes on January 19, 2025, here are 11 players to consider for your fantasy cricket team based on their potential performance:

Batsman Picks:

Ben Duckett (Melbourne Stars): Aggressive top-order batsman. Duckett can provide quick runs, especially during the powerplay overs, capitalizing on early fielding restrictions.

Tim David (Hobart Hurricanes): Hard-hitting middle-order batsman. David can accelerate the scoring in the latter stages of the innings, making him a valuable fantasy pick for his potential to hit boundaries and sixes.

Bowler Picks:

Riley Meredith (Hobart Hurricanes): Fast bowler with the ability to generate pace and bounce. Meredith can be a wicket-taking option, particularly in favorable conditions.

Chris Jordan (Hobart Hurricanes): Skilled bowler known for his death-over expertise. Jordan can restrict runs and take key wickets in the final overs.

Mark Steketee (Melbourne Stars): Consistent bowler with the ability to take crucial wickets. Steketee’s disciplined line and length make him a reliable fantasy choice.

Peter Siddle (Melbourne Stars):Experienced bowler with a wealth of knowledge. Siddle can be a wicket-taking option, especially in favorable conditions.

All-Rounder Picks:

Glenn Maxwell (Melbourne Stars): Explosive batting and handy off-spin. Maxwell’s ability to turn games with both bat and ball makes him a valuable fantasy asset.

Marcus Stoinis (Melbourne Stars): Powerful batsman and medium-fast bowler. Stoinis offers balance to the team with his all-round capabilities, earning points in multiple facets of the game.

Hilton Cartwright (Melbourne Stars): All-rounder who can contribute with both bat and ball. Cartwright’s versatility adds depth to the team.

Wicketkeeper Picks:

Matthew Wade (Hobart Hurricanes): Experienced wicketkeeper-batsman. Wade’s leadership and ability to anchor the innings provide stability to the batting lineup.

Sam Harper (Melbourne Stars) Reliable wicketkeeper-batsman. Harper can anchor the innings and provide stability in the middle order.

Captain Picks:

Glenn Maxwell (Melbourne Stars) :As an all-rounder, Maxwell has the potential to contribute significantly with both bat and ball. His explosive batting and handy off-spin make him a top fantasy pick for captaincy.

Tim David (Hobart Hurricanes): David is known for his big-hitting abilities and can provide you with a high fantasy score through his boundaries and sixes, especially in the latter stages of the innings.

Vice-Captain Picks:

Marcus Stoinis (Melbourne Stars) : Stoinis is another strong all-rounder who can contribute in multiple ways—whether through quick runs or breaking partnerships with his bowling.

Matthew Wade (Hobart Hurricanes): Wade brings stability and experience to the batting order and can score big, making him a solid vice-captain choice.

Expert Prediction

Melbourne Stars is Favourit to Win the Game with balance of power hitting and consistent bowling, particularly in the form of Maxwell, Stoinis, and Steketee, the Stars are likely to post a competitive total and defend it effectively.

Their experience in handling pressure situations, coupled with their solid form at the MCG, gives them the edge.

However, the Hurricanes, led by the explosive David and Owen, will fight hard to chase down the target. The game will likely go down to the wire.

Winner: Melbourne Stars

Scenario 1: Stars Bowl First

Hurricanes: Will set a target of 150-160 with hitters like Tim David, Mitchell Owen

Stars: Have strong hitters hitters like Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoini but need good partnerships to chase it.

Prediction: Stars are favorites to win.

Scenario 2: Hurricanes Bowl First

Stars: will Gather 170 runs with thier strong Batting Lineups but still it’s not enough to defend because of Hurricanes stable batting Line.

Hurricanes: if the Target is under 170 ,it will be chaseable for Hurricanes, so Stars will make sure to score more than 170 to win.

Prediction: Hurricanes are favorites to win.

Scenario 3: Chasing team get advantage

• Chasing Over 180 runs will be a possible loss
• Both Teams Can Chase Under 180 Runs

Prediction: Stars are favorites in Chasing.

[Disclaimer: The match predictions provided are based on current form, player performances, and statistical analysis. These are speculative and do not guarantee outcomes. Always consider other factors such as team strategies, weather, and match conditions before making any conclusions.]

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