MS vs HH Match Analysis
The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) prepares to host the 5th match of the Big Bash League 2025-26 season, featuring a classic contest between the Melbourne Stars and the Hobart Hurricanes. Scheduled for December 18, 2025, this clash brings the electric atmosphere of the MCG into the spotlight.
The Melbourne Stars enter this tournament with a familiar narrative surrounding them, a squad bursting with star power yet searching for the elusive title. However, they must guard against their historical tendency for top-order collapses.
Conversely, the Hobart Hurricanes step onto the turf with confidence radiating from their recent win against the Sydney Thunder. Led by the astute Nathan Ellis, the Tasmanian outfit showed grit in their last outing, chasing down a steep target with just one ball to spare.
Melbourne Stars vs Hobart Hurricanes Team Preview & Squads
Melbourne Stars
Marcus Stoinis takes the reins once again, bringing an aggressive brand of leadership that mirrors his batting style. As captain, his challenge will be managing the bowling rotations effectively at the MCG, a venue that demands precise field placements to protect the vast pockets
MS batting depth is undeniably their strongest suit, particularly in the middle overs. With experienced campaigners like Glenn Maxwell and Hilton Cartwright listed in the squad, they have the firepower to recover from early setbacks or launch a late assault. However, the top order remains a concern, and the team will rely on Joe Clarke and the emerging talents to provide a stable platform for the heavy hitters to exploit.
On the bowling front, the attack looks balanced with the raw pace of Haris Rauf and the clever variations of Tom Curran. The inclusion of Scott Boland and Peter Siddle adds immense red-ball discipline to the T20 format, crucial for restricting runs on a good batting surface. T
Reflecting on their last match performance, albeit from January 2025, the MS suffered a heartbreaking knockout loss to the Thunder. Chasing 136 in a rain-affected game, they crumbled to 114 all out, highlighting their vulnerability under pressure.
Melbourne Stars Squads
Melbourne Stars
Marcus Stoinis (C), Austin Anlezark, Scott Boland, Hilton Cartwright, Joe Clarke, Tom Curran, Haris Rauf, Sam Harper (wk), Liam Hatcher, Campbell Kellaway, Glenn Maxwell, Hamish McKenzie, Jonathan Merlo, Tom Rogers, Peter Siddle, Mark Steketee, Mitchell Swepson, Tom Whitney
Hobart Hurricanes
Nathan Ellis continues to impress as a leader who leads by example, particularly in the death overs where his yorkers are lethal. His captaincy was tested and proven in the recent tight finish against the Thunder, where he marshaled his troops to a last-gasp victory.
The Hurricanes’ batting lineup, featuring the likes of Ben McDermott, Tim David, and Matthew Wade, is built for destruction. Key batter Mitchell Owen and the all-round capabilities of Rishad Hossain provide the necessary depth to keep the run rate ticking even if wickets fall.
Bowling remains a headline strength for the Hurricanes, with a pace battery that includes the express speed of Riley Meredith and the experience of Chris Jordan. Billy Stanlake, also listed as a key asset, brings height and bounce that can be awkward on the MCG deck.
Fresh from their victory on December 16, 2025, the Hurricanes are in high spirits. They successfully chased 181 against the Sydney Thunder, winning by 4 wickets. Chris Jordan was the hero, delivering with both bat and ball, proving that the Hurricanes have match-winners all the way down the order capable of snatching victory from the jaws of defeat.
Hobart Hurricanes Squads
Hobart Hurricanes
Nathan Ellis (C), Marcus Bean, Jackson Bird, Iain Carlisle, Nikhil Chaudhary, Tim David, Chris Jordan, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Mitchell Owen, Will Prestwidge, Rehan Ahmed, Rishad Hossain, Billy Stanlake, Matthew Wade (WK), Tim Ward, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster, Macalister Wright
Match Details | |
Match | Melbourne Stars vs Hobart Hurricanes | 5th Match | Big Bash League |
Date | 18/12/2025 (Thursday) |
Time | BDT 2:15 PM / PKT 1:15 PM / INR 1:45 PM |
Format | T20 |
Venue | Melbourne Cricket Ground |
Recent performance | Melbourne Stars – W W W W L Hobart Hurricanes – W L L L W |
Live Streaming Details | Click here to watch the MS vs HH Live Stream on Sports Live Hub(SLH) |
MS vs HH Outfield Report
Melbourne Cricket Ground
The pitch at the Melbourne Cricket Ground is renowned for its balance, often offering good carry for the quicks early on while remaining true for batters who get their eye in. Being a drop-in pitch, it tends to be consistent, but the sheer size of the boundaries means that running between the wickets is just as important as clearing the ropes.
Weather conditions in Melbourne for mid-December are typically pleasant, though the “four seasons in one day” reputation always looms. We can expect a mild evening with temperatures conducive to cricket, and while dew can be a factor in night games, the drainage at the MCG is world-class.
For the batters, the Powerplay is the best time to pierce the infield before the field spreads, as hitting boundaries becomes significantly harder once the restrictions are lifted and the sweepers are patrolling the fence.
Melbourne Stars vs Hobart Hurricanes Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches
The rivalry between the Stars and the Hurricanes has historically been a contest of high voltage, with both teams trading blows in previous seasons. While the specific scorelines of the last five encounters prior to this season reflect a back-and-forth tussle.
MS vs HH Prediction
Event | Melbourne Stars | Hobart Hurricanes |
Toss Winner | – | Hobart Hurricanes |
Player of the Match | – | Chris Jordan |
Top Run Scorer | Marcus Stoinis | Ben McDermott |
Top Wicket Taker | Haris Rauf | Nathan Ellis |
Most Sixes | Glenn Maxwell | Tim David |
Predicted Score | 165+ | 170+ |
Win Probability | 48% | 52% |
According to cricket analysts Hobart Hurricanes 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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