MR vs SS Match Analysis
The Big Bash League rings in the New Year with a tantalizing fixture at Docklands Stadium, Melbourne. As we hit the 18th match of the BBL 2025-26 on January 1, 2026, the stakes are rising. Both franchises are looking to solidify their standing on the ladder, making this holiday fixture crucial for momentum as the competition approaches its middle phase.
The Melbourne Renegades (MR) enter this contest seeking redemption. Their recent form has been a rollercoaster, indicating a struggle for consistency. In their last outing against the Hobart Hurricanes, they posted a respectable 162/9 but failed to defend it, losing by 4 wickets in the final over. The loss highlighted issues in closing out games, something they must address immediately.
On the other side, the Sydney Sixers (SS) are also navigating choppy waters. With a recent record they have lost four of their last five matches, a worrying trend for such a storied franchise. Their previous match saw them bundled out for 144 against the Stars, a total that was chased down with ease. Despite their recent struggles, the Sixers hold a psychological edge with a dominant historical record against the Renegades.
Melbourne Renegades vs Sydney Sixers Match Details
Match | Melbourne Renegades vs Sydney Sixers | 18th Match | Big Bash League |
Date | 01/01/2026 (Thursday) |
Time | BDT 11:00 AM / PKT 10:00 AM / INR 10:30 AM |
Format | T20 |
Venue | Docklands Stadium, Melbourne |
Recent performance | Melbourne Renegades – L W W L L, Sydney Sixers – L L L W L |
Live Streaming Details | Click here to watch the MR vs SS Live Stream on Sports Live Hub (SLH) |
Docklands Stadium Pitch Report
Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
The pitch conditions reported for this encounter offer an intriguing battle. There are specific advantages for the pacers early on, likely due to fresh moisture or grass covering, which demands caution from the openers. However, once the batters get set, the track settles down, allowing for stroke play. It is worth noting the provided report references the MCG conditions, suggesting a surface that rewards technical application before aggression.
Weather Report
The forecast for this New Year’s Day clash in Melbourne is promising for cricket fans. The weather is expected to be mostly sunny to partly cloudy, ensuring a full game without rain interruptions. However, a potential dew factor in the evening could come into play. If the dew settles in, gripping the ball will become difficult for the bowlers in the second innings, potentially skewing the advantage toward the chasing side.
MR vs SS Head-to-Head Records
Matches Played | 19 |
MR Won | 5 |
SS Won | 14 |
Tied | 0 |
No Result | 1 |
First-ever Fixture | January 1, 2012 |
Most-recent Fixture | December 16, 2024 |
Melbourne Renegades vs Sydney Sixers Team Preview & Squads
Melbourne Renegades
Captain Will Sutherland finds himself in a position where leadership by example is non-negotiable. The Renegades have shown flashes of brilliance but lack the killer instinct to finish close games, as seen in their recent loss to the Hurricanes. Sutherland’s role as an all-rounder is pivotal; he needs to manage his bowling changes astutely.
The batting unit relies heavily on the explosiveness of Tim Seifert. Identified as the key batter, Seifert carries the burden of setting a high tempo. In the last match, the team managed 162/9, a score that was competitive but ultimately insufficient. The batting order needs to convert starts into match-winning totals.
On the bowling front, Adam Zampa remains the ace in the hole. As the key bowler, his four overs of leg-spin will be critical in the middle overs to choke the Sixers’ scoring rate. The Melbourne Renegades failed to defend 162 recently, taking the game to the last over but losing by 4 wickets.
Melbourne Renegades Squad
Melbourne Renegades
Will Sutherland, Jason Behrendorff, Josh Brown, Harry Dixon, Brendan Doggett, Sam Elliott, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Hassan Khan, Caleb Jewell, Nathan Lyon, Mohammad Rizwan, Fergus O’Neill, Oliver Peake, Tom Rogers, William Salzmann, Gurinder Sandhu, Tim Seifert, Matthew Spoors, Callum Stow, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa
Sydney Sixers
The Sydney Sixers are led by the veteran Moises Henriques, a man who has seen it all in the BBL. However, their current form, losing three of their last five, suggests a team searching for answers. Henriques needs to leverage his vast experience to lift the morale of a side that capitulated for just 144 runs in their last derby against the Stars.
Batting has been a concern for the Sixers, highlighted by their recent low score. Daniel Hughes is the designated key batter and will be expected to anchor the innings. The prediction tips him to be the top run-scorer and hit the most sixes for his side, placing immense responsibility on his shoulders.
Joel Davies has been highlighted as the key bowler for the Men in Magenta. In a team full of stars, the youngster’s role is becoming increasingly vital. The Sixers’ bowlers couldn’t defend 144 against the Stars, losing by 7 wickets with plenty of balls to spare. They need early wickets to expose the Renegades’ middle order.
Sydney Sixers Squad
Sydney Sixers
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
MR vs SS Prediction
Event | Melbourne Renegades | Sydney Sixers |
Toss Winner | – | Sydney Sixers |
Player of the Match | – | Daniel Hughes |
Top Run Scorer | Tim Seifert | Daniel Hughes |
Top Wicket Taker | Adam Zampa | Joel Davies |
Most Sixes | Tim Seifert | Daniel Hughes |
Predicted Score | 165+ | 180+ |
Win Probability | 47% | 53% |
According to cricket analysts, Sydney Sixers have a 53% 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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