MR vs MS Match Analysis
The Melbourne derby arrives at Docklands Stadium with the tournament entering its business phase. A night contest in high summer conditions, this 30th match carries both points-table significance and bragging rights, where tactical clarity often outweighs raw firepower.
Melbourne Renegades come into this fixture on a mixed run, but buoyed by a confidence-boosting win over Perth. Chasing a modest target, they showed composure under pressure, with Oliver Peake anchoring the innings and Gurinder Sandhu delivering with the ball. After a sequence of early losses, the Renegades now appear steadier, embracing pragmatic cricket over unnecessary aggression.
Melbourne Stars, by contrast, have stumbled recently after an encouraging start. Their defeat to Sydney Sixers exposed familiar issues: a top order that struggles to consolidate after early wickets and a bowling unit that lacks penetration when conditions ease. While Marcus Stoinis remains the fulcrum, the Stars must rediscover tactical discipline to halt their slide.
Melbourne Renegades vs Melbourne Stars Match Details
Match | Melbourne Renegades vs Melbourne Stars | 30th Match | Big Bash League 2025-26 |
Date | 10/01/2026 (Saturday) |
Time | BDT 2:15 PM / PKT 1:15 PM / INR 1:45 PM |
Format | T20 |
Venue | Docklands Stadium, Melbourne |
Recent performance | Melbourne Renegades – L L L W W |
Live Streaming Details | Click here to watch the Live Stream on Sports Live Hub (SLH) |
Docklands Stadium Pitch Report
Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
The Docklands surface traditionally offers something for everyone. Early movement and bounce assist seamers, rewarding discipline in the powerplay. As the match progresses, the pitch tends to flatten, making stroke-play more reliable through the middle overs. Teams that preserve wickets early often capitalize late, particularly with well-timed boundary-hitting rather than reckless slogging.
Weather Report
Melbourne is forecast for extreme heat, with temperatures peaking around 41°C. While dew is not expected to play a significant role, the oppressive conditions will test player endurance and concentration. Fatigue could influence bowling accuracy in the death overs, making fielding efficiency and hydration management decisive factors in a contest likely to be shaped by fine margins.
MR vs MS Head-to-Head Records
Matches Played | 29 |
GG Won | 11 |
ADKR Won | 18 |
Tied | 0 |
No Result | 0 |
First-ever Fixture | January 7, 2012 |
Most-recent Fixture | January 4, 2026 |
Melbourne Renegades vs Melbourne Stars Team Preview & Squads
Melbourne Renegades
Will Sutherland’s leadership has increasingly defined MR’s identity. As captain and frontline all-rounder, he brings tactical balance, rotating bowlers intelligently while remaining a dependable middle-order contributor. His calm decision-making under pressure, especially in tight chases, has helped stabilize a side that earlier in the season appeared tactically uncertain.
Batting-wise, the Renegades lean heavily on composure rather than flamboyance. Oliver Peake has emerged as the structural pillar, capable of absorbing pressure and pacing an innings intelligently. With support from experienced campaigners like Mohammad Rizwan and Tim Seifert, MR’s batting blueprint emphasizes partnerships over isolated cameos. This approach suits Docklands, where calculated accumulation often outperforms impulsive hitting.
Bowling remains their competitive edge. Gurinder Sandhu leads the attack with control and variation, while Sutherland’s dual role adds flexibility in overs management. The presence of seasoned operators such as Jason Behrendorff, Nathan Lyon, and Adam Zampa provides both early discipline and middle-overs containment. MR’s depth in all-round options allows them to adjust seamlessly to match situations.
Melbourne Renegades Squads
Melbourne Renegades Squads
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
Melbourne Stars
Marcus Stoinis remains the tactical heartbeat of MS. His leadership style is assertive, often setting the tempo both with bat and ball. However, recent results suggest that while Stoinis provides intensity, the side has struggled to translate that into sustained control across all phases of the game.
The batting unit has shown flashes without consistency. Blake Macdonald stands out as their most reliable run-getter, capable of exploiting the latter half of the innings. Yet the broader structure has been fragile, with early wickets exposing a middle order still searching for rhythm. Without prolonged partnerships, the Stars frequently find themselves chasing the game rather than dictating it.
Bowling has oscillated between disciplined spells and costly lapses. Veteran Peter Siddle brings experience and tactical nous, particularly in managing lengths on responsive surfaces. Haris Rauf adds pace and aggression, while Stoinis offers balance as an all-round option. However, the lack of sustained pressure in middle overs has allowed opponents to rebuild too comfortably, an area MS must rectify urgently.
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, Blake Macdonald, Glenn Maxwell, Hamish McKenzie, Jonathan Merlo, Tom Rogers, Peter Siddle, Mark Steketee, Mitchell Swepson, Tom Whitney
MR vs MS Prediction
Event | Melbourne Renegades | Melbourne Stars |
Toss Winner | – | Melbourne Stars |
Player of the Match | Oliver Peake | – |
Top Run Scorer | Oliver Peake | Blake Macdonald |
Top Wicket Taker | Gurinder Sandhu | Peter Siddle |
Most Sixes | Oliver Peake | Blake Macdonald |
Predicted Score | 160+ | 175+ |
Win Probability | 46% | 54% |
According to cricket analysts Melbourne Stars have a 54% 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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