Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Stars Prediction & Match Preview – BBL 2025-26
Match summary
Preview of Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Stars in BBL 2025-26 at the Gabba: top-of-the-table Stars, Heat form, pitch, weather and likely scores.
Match details
| Match | Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Stars, 20th Match |
|---|---|
| Series | Big Bash League 2025-26 |
| Date | 2 Jan 2026 |
| Start time | 08:15 am GMT / 06:15 pm local |
| Venue | The Gabba, Brisbane |
| Status | Played |
| Our pick | Melbourne Stars |
| Toss pick | Brisbane Heat |
Matches in this series
Match preview
Brisbane Heat host Melbourne Stars at the Gabba in the 20th match of BBL 2025-26. The Heat have won two and lost three, leaving them fifth, and with half the season gone they need at least three more wins to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Matt Renshaw has carried much of the batting, scoring 202 runs in five games at an average of 41 and a strike rate of 165. Max Bryant has added 131 at 151, Colin Munro has 91, Jack Wildermuth 130, and Hugh Weibgen 87 at 118. Wildermuth is also the leading bowler with eight wickets at an economy of 9.63, and Xavier Bartlett and Matthew Kuhnemann have 11 between them, but the attack has been inconsistent.
The Stars have won their first four matches and lead the ladder. Joe Clarke and Sam Harper give them steady starts, and Harper leads the batting with 194 runs from four games at a strike rate of 158. Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis and Campbell Kellaway anchor the middle order, with Tom Curran and Hilton Cartwright adding depth.
Haris Rauf and Peter Siddle have claimed 17 wickets between them, Mitch Swepson provides spin control, and Curran and Stoinis have 16 wickets combined. We favour the Stars.
The Gabba is known for a fast, bouncy surface that helps pace bowlers early. The new ball often brings seam movement and bounce, so the powerplay is key. The pitch flattens later, though timing stays important because of the consistent pace. Spin is a secondary factor. Totals around 170 to 190 are typical, and chasing sides can benefit from the even bounce under lights.
The evening is expected to be warm and mostly dry with some cloud, at about 24–26 °C. A light shower earlier in the afternoon is possible but is unlikely to affect play. Winds should be light.
Expected scores
| Innings | Predicted | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| First innings | 165–180 | – |
| Second innings | 160–175 | – |
Melbourne Stars
The Stars have won their first four games and have a stronger bowling group, while Brisbane’s attack has been inconsistent.
Toss pick: Brisbane Heat
FAQ
Which team is on top of the BBL ladder before this game?
Melbourne Stars, who won their first four matches, while Brisbane Heat are fifth with two wins and three defeats.
What do Brisbane need to keep their season alive?
Our preview notes they need at least three more wins from their remaining matches to stay in playoff contention.
Who are the top performers for each side?
Matt Renshaw has 202 runs for Brisbane and Sam Harper has 194 for Melbourne, with Haris Rauf and Peter Siddle taking 17 wickets between them.
Probable XIs
Expected line-ups from our preview. c = captain, wk = wicketkeeper.
Brisbane Heat
- Colin Munro
- Jack Wildermuth
- Lachlan Hearne
- Matt Renshaw
- Max Bryant
- Hugh Weibgen
- Jimmy Peirsonwk
- Xavier Bartlettc
- Matthew Kuhnemann
- Thomas Balkin
- Ollie Patterson
Melbourne Stars
- Joe Clarke
- Sam Harperwk
- Campbell Kellaway
- Thomas Fraser Rogers
- Marcus Stoinisc
- Glenn Maxwell
- Hilton Cartwright
- Tom Curran
- Mitchell Swepson
- Haris Rauf
- Peter Siddle