SS vs MS Match Analysis
The stage is set for a blockbuster Boxing Day encounter at the historic Sydney Cricket Ground. While the holiday season is in full swing, there will be no gifts exchanged between these two BBL heavyweights. This is a day match, kicking off at 1:05 PM local time (BDT), which significantly alters the tactical landscape
The Sydney Sixers enter this contest operating like a well-oiled machine. They lived up to their reputation as finals perennials in their last outing, dismantling the Thunder with a clinical performance.
On the other side of the ring, the Melbourne Stars seem to have found their groove, finally balancing their star-studded lineup with on-field results. They look dangerous, largely due to a deep middle order that can clear any boundary in Australia.
Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Stars Team Preview & Squads
Sydney Sixers
Captain Moises Henriques continues to be the calm in the center of the storm for the SS. He is not just a leader but a tactical pivot, often utilizing his own bowling changes and batting placement to counter specific opposition threats.
In terms of batting depth, the SS are heavily reliant on the brilliance of Josh Philippe at the top. While the squad list boasts international heavyweights like Steven Smith and Babar Azam, the team often leans on the experience of Jordan Silk and Henriques to stabilize the ship if the top order struggles during the powerplay, a known weakness for the franchise.
The bowling attack is arguably the most balanced in the league, characterized by a legion of pace-bowling all-rounders. With Sean Abbott and Ben Dwarshuis offering different angles and Jack Edwards providing crucial breakthroughs, they cover all bases.
Looking at their last match notes, the Sixers were imperious against the Thunder, posting a massive 198/5. Josh Philippe was the architect of destruction with a Player of the Match performance, smashing 96 off 57 balls. The bowling unit then restricted the Thunder to 151, winning by 47 runs, a margin that significantly boosted their net run rate and confidence.
Sydney Sixers Squads
Sydney Sixers Squads
Moises Henriques, Sean Abbott, Babar Azam, Jafer Chohan, Sam Curran, Joel Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Harjas Singh, Daniel Hughes, Hayden Kerr, Riley Kingsell, Ben Manenti, Todd Murphy, Mitchell Perry, Josh Philippe, Kane Richardson, Lachlan Shaw, Jordan Silk, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Charlie Stobo
Melbourne Stars
Marcus Stoinis leads the MS not just with the armband but with colossal individual performances. He is currently the heartbeat of the side, contributing heavily with both bat and ball.
The Stars’ batting depth is intimidating, particularly in the middle overs. With Glenn Maxwell and Stoinis capable of taking the game away in the span of four overs, they possess the firepower that the Sixers sometimes lack. However, their weakness remains the top order; if they lose early wickets to the swinging ball.
Bowling-wise, the Stars rely on a potent pace attack spearheaded by Haris Rauf and the veteran Peter Siddle. They have genuine wicket-taking options, but their spin bowling depth is thinner compared to other franchises.
In their previous match against the Hobart Hurricanes, the Stars were clinical. Chasing a target of 159, they cruised home with 8 wickets in hand and 24 balls to spare. Marcus Stoinis was the MVP, scoring an unbeaten 62 off 31 balls and taking 2/18, proving that when he clicks, the Stars are nearly unbeatable.
Melbourne Stars Squads
Melbourne Stars Squads
Marcus Stoinis, Austin Anlezark, Aryan Sharma, Scott Boland, Hilton Cartwright, Joe Clarke, Tom Curran, Haris Rauf, Sam Harper, Liam Hatcher, Campbell Kellaway, Glenn Maxwell, Hamish McKenzie, Jonathan Merlo, Tom Rogers, Peter Siddle, Mark Steketee, Mitchell Swepson, Tom Whitney
Match Details | |
Match | Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Stars | 11th Match | Big Bash League 2025-26 |
Date | 26/12/2025 (Friday) |
Time | BDT 1:05 PM / PKT 12:05 PM / INR 12:35 PM |
Format | T20 |
Venue | Sydney Cricket Ground |
Recent performance | Sydney Sixers – L L L L W Melbourne Stars – W W W L W |
Live Streaming Details | Click here to watch the Live Stream on Sports Live Hub(SLH) |
SS vs MS Outfield Report
Sydney Cricket Ground
The pitch at the Sydney Cricket Ground is traditionally one of the few in Australia that offers something for the spinners, though it generally remains a good batting deck in T20s. For this day game, the track is expected to be hard and dry, allowing for consistent bounce, but as the match progresses, the slower balls and cutters from the Sixers’ pace specialists will likely grip the surface.
Weather conditions in Sydney for late December are typically warm and sunny. With this being a day fixture, the temperature will likely be high, testing the endurance of the fielders and bowlers.
Regarding Powerplay strategy, the fielding restrictions will be pivotal. The Sixers have a noted weakness in generating firepower during the initial overs, so the Stars will look to attack early with aggressive field placements. Conversely, the Stars’ outfielding must be sharp; the SCG has large square boundaries.
Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Stars Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches
The rivalry between these two teams has been closely contested recently, but the men in magenta hold the slight edge. In their last five T20 matches against each other in the Big Bash League (BBL), the Sydney Sixers have won three times and the Melbourne Stars have won two times, suggesting that while the Sixers have been more consistent, the Stars are more than capable of an upset.
SS vs MS Prediction
Event | Sydney Sixers | Melbourne Stars |
Toss Winner | – | Melbourne Stars |
Player of the Match | – | Marcus Stoinis |
Top Run Scorer | Josh Philippe | Marcus Stoinis |
Top Wicket Taker | Sean Abbott | Haris Rauf |
Most Sixes | Moises Henriques | Glenn Maxwell |
Predicted Score | 165+ | 175+ |
Win Probability | 48% | 52% |
According to cricket analysts Melbourne Stars have a 52% chance of Winning.
Disclaimer: This cricket prediction reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. We encourage readers to review the points shared and draw their own conclusions.
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