The fifth match of the Big Bash League 2025-26 will see Melbourne Stars lock horns with Hobart Hurricanes at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground on Thursday, December 18. This contest marks the season opener for the Stars, while the Hurricanes come into the game with early momentum after a thrilling victory in their first outing.
Melbourne Stars, who narrowly missed out on a top-three finish last season, will be eager to start their campaign on a positive note in front of their home crowd. With Marcus Stoinis at the helm, the Stars boast a strong mix of experience and firepower across departments.
Hobart Hurricanes, on the other hand, arrive as the defending champions. They began their title defence with a hard-fought win against Sydney Thunder, showing composure in pressure situations. The Hurricanes will be keen to continue their winning run and strengthen their early position in the points table.
Match Details
| Match | Melbourne Stars vs Hobart Hurricanes, Match 5 |
|---|---|
| Tournament | Big Bash League 2025-26 |
| Date | Thursday, December 18, 2025 |
| Time | 1:45 PM IST |
| Venue | Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne |
| Live Broadcast | JioStar Network & JioHotstar |
Melbourne Cricket Ground Pitch Report
The Melbourne Cricket Ground traditionally offers assistance to fast bowlers, especially during the early overs with the new ball. Bounce and carry are key features of the surface. While chasing teams have enjoyed success at this venue, batting becomes easier once players spend time in the middle. A competitive first-innings score is expected to be well above the average mark.
Weather Report
| Condition | Forecast |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 18°C – 22°C |
| Rain Probability | Low (less than 10%) |
| Humidity | Moderate |
| Wind | Light breeze |
Weather conditions are expected to remain clear throughout the match, ensuring an uninterrupted contest.
STA vs HUR Head-to-Head Record (T20s)
| Matches Played | STA Wins | HUR Wins | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22 | 14 | 8 | 0 |
Predicted Playing XIs
Melbourne Stars
- Joe Clarke
- Sam Harper (wk)
- Glenn Maxwell
- Marcus Stoinis (c)
- Hilton Cartwright
- Tom Curran
- Campbell Kellaway
- Haris Rauf
- Peter Siddle
- Mitch Swepson
- Tom Rogers
Hobart Hurricanes
- Mitchell Owen
- Nikhil Chaudhary
- Rehan Ahmed
- Ben McDermott
- Tim David
- Matthew Wade (wk)
- Chris Jordan
- Nathan Ellis (c)
- Rishad Hossain
- Riley Meredith
- Billy Stanlake
Top Key Players to Watch
| Team | Player | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Melbourne Stars | Marcus Stoinis | Leadership role and all-round impact |
| Melbourne Stars | Glenn Maxwell | Game-changing batting and part-time bowling |
| Hobart Hurricanes | Chris Jordan | Death-over specialist and lower-order hitter |
| Hobart Hurricanes | Tim David | Explosive finisher capable of quick runs |
Match Prediction
Considering recent form and squad balance, Hobart Hurricanes appear to have a slight edge heading into this contest. Their ability to handle pressure situations and a settled combination give them an advantage, though Melbourne Stars will be dangerous at home.
Predicted Winner: Hobart Hurricanes
