The Melbourne Derby returns under lights at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground as the Melbourne Stars face the Melbourne Renegades in Match 22 of the Big Bash League 2025-26. With contrasting momentum between the two sides, this fixture carries significance not just for city bragging rights, but also for the points table.
The Stars have looked settled and confident throughout the tournament, delivering consistent performances across departments. Meanwhile, the Renegades arrive with urgency, knowing that another slip could push them further behind in the playoff race.
The MCG surface has offered true bounce and even carry during this season of the Big Bash League. Batters who spend time in the middle have been rewarded, while fast bowlers find movement with the new ball under lights.
Pitch Nature
Batting-friendly with early seam movement
Average First Innings Score
165–175 runs
Boundary Size
Large square boundaries, straight shots preferred
Weather Report
Condition
Forecast
Temperature
22°C – 25°C
Rain Probability
Very Low
Humidity
Around 55%
Wind
Mild breeze assisting swing
Probable Playing XIs
Melbourne Stars
Melbourne Renegades
Thomas Fraser Rogers
Josh Brown
Sam Harper (WK)
Tim Seifert
Campbell Kellaway
Mohammad Rizwan (WK)
Blake Macdonald
Jake Fraser-McGurk
Marcus Stoinis (C)
Oliver Peake
Glenn Maxwell
Matthew Spoors
Hilton Cartwright
Hassan Khan
Tom Curran
Will Sutherland (C)
Mitchell Swepson
Andrew Tye
Haris Rauf
Gurinder Sandhu
Peter Siddle
Jason Behrendorff
Toss Impact
Teams winning the toss at the MCG often prefer to bowl first, using the initial assistance under lights. Chasing has been slightly easier as the pitch settles, but a disciplined powerplay with the ball remains crucial.
Key Players to Watch
Player
Why Important
Marcus Stoinis
Middle-order stability and finishing power
Glenn Maxwell
Game-changing impact with bat and off-spin
Mohammad Rizwan
Anchor role and wicketkeeping influence
Haris Rauf
Raw pace in middle and death overs
Dream11 Fantasy Tips
Category
Suggestions
Captain Choices
Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell
Vice-Captain Options
Mohammad Rizwan, Tom Curran
Safe Picks
Sam Harper, Jason Behrendorff
Differential Picks
Campbell Kellaway, Hassan Khan
Match Prediction
Parameter
Projection
First Innings Score
167+ runs
Powerplay Score
45+ runs
Winning Edge
Melbourne Stars hold slight advantage
With form, balance, and home familiarity on their side, the Stars enter as favourites. However, derby games often defy logic, and the Renegades will be eager to produce a statement performance when it matters most.
