Melbourne Stars vs Hobart Hurricanes Prediction & Match Preview – BBL 2025-26
Match summary
Melbourne Stars take on Hobart Hurricanes at the MCG in BBL 2025-26. Read our preview with pitch and weather notes, expected scores and a verdict.
Match details
| Match | Melbourne Stars vs Hobart Hurricanes, 5th Match |
|---|---|
| Series | Big Bash League 2025-26 |
| Date | 18 Dec 2025 |
| Start time | 8:15 am GMT / 7:15 pm local |
| Venue | Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne |
| Status | Played |
| Our pick | Melbourne Stars |
| Toss pick | Hobart Hurricanes |
Matches in this series
Match preview
Melbourne Stars face Hobart Hurricanes at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the fifth match of the 2025-26 Big Bash League, with a 7:15 pm local start.
The Stars’ squad includes Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Joe Clarke, Tom Curran and Hilton Cartwright, with Haris Rauf, Peter Siddle, Scott Boland and Mitch Swepson in the bowling group. Hobart’s squad features Mitch Owen, Ben McDermott, Tim David, Matt Wade and Rehan Ahmed, with Nathan Ellis, Chris Jordan, Riley Meredith, Billy Stanlake and Rishad Hossain among the bowlers.
Early overs should offer bounce and carry for the quicker bowlers before the pitch flattens and a fast outfield lets batters take advantage. Our preview picks the Stars, with their home surface and their squad depth deciding it.
The MCG is known for a true, sporting surface that offers something for batters and bowlers. Pacers can extract bounce and carry from the slightly grassed wicket early, so disciplined bowling matters in the first few overs. The pitch then tends to flatten out, allowing batters to play freely and build big totals. Spinners get limited help but can contain runs or exploit rough patches. It rewards patience, shot selection and consistent bowling.
The evening should be warm and pleasant at around 26–28 °C, with mostly clear skies and light to moderate breezes. The chance of rain is low.
Expected scores
| Innings | Predicted | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| First innings | 170–185 | – |
| Second innings | 165–180 | – |
Melbourne Stars
The Stars are playing at the MCG and have a squad with plenty of power and experience, including Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis and Haris Rauf.
Toss pick: Hobart Hurricanes
FAQ
Where is Melbourne Stars vs Hobart Hurricanes?
The 5th match of BBL 2025-26 is at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on 18 December 2025.
Who does our preview favour?
We lean towards Melbourne Stars, who are at home and have a strong group of experienced players.
What total is competitive at the MCG?
First-innings totals of 170–185 are generally competitive, and chasing sides need good partnerships and smart pacing.
Probable XIs
Expected line-ups from our preview. c = captain, wk = wicketkeeper.
Line-ups not available yet.