Big fight between Renegades and Stars in Melbourne Derby
| Date | January 12, 2025 |
| Time | 1:45 PM IST |
| Venue | Docklands Stadium, Melbourne |
| Format | T20 |
| Series | Big Bash League 2024-25 |
Betting Odds
Our Predictions
- Tim Seifert has odds of 3.05 to be Melbourne Renegades' best batsman
- Ben Duckett has odds of 3.20 to be Melbourne Stars' best batsman
- Adam Zampa has odds of 3.30 to be Melbourne Renegades' best bowler
- Peter Siddle has odds of 3.20 to be Melbourne Stars' best bowler
MATCH PREVIEW
The competition for the Top 4 spots on the points table is heating up in the Big Bash League 2024-25. The Melbourne Renegades and the Melbourne Stars are struggling in the bottom half, and it will be an important contest for both sides as they meet in the 32nd game. The Renegades defeated the Perth Scorchers in the last game and have kept hopes alive. They have been inconsistent in the last few matches and shall start the game with lower odds. The Melbourne Stars made a strong comeback in the tournament and defeated the Sydney Sixers in the last game to move up on the points table. A loss can end the hopes for either team to reach the next round, and we expect a close contest in this round of the Melbourne derby.
Melbourne Renegades Preview
Things are getting tough for Will Sutherland's team. They have struggled in recent games, winning only once in the last four matches. The team produced a good show when it needed the most against the Perth Scorchers. The 4-wicket win has kept them in contention for the next round. They will start behind on cricket betting sites in this game, and Sutherland needs the top and middle order to fire all cylinders in this must-win game.
Tim Seifert's indifferent form has hurt the team, and he must cement a big stand at the top with Marcus Harris. The middle order hasn't been at its best, and the side needs Jacob Bethell, Jake Fraser-McGurk, and Laurie Evans to stitch partnerships in this game. Thomas Rogers and Will Sutherland put up a match-winning stand in the last game, and they will be confident.
The bowling attack will be under pressure as they are up against a strong batting unit in this game. Gurinder Sandhu and Thomas Rogers must strike early to put the Stars under pressure. Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson have much experience, and the team expects a good show from them in the middle overs. Jacob Bethell, Jonathan Well, and Sutherland have an important job in the supporting role.
Expected Starting XI for Melbourne Renegades
Will Sutherland (c), Marcus Harris, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Jacob Bethell, Tim Seifert (wk), Laurie Evans, Jonathan Wells, Thomas Stewart Rogers, Gurinder Sandhu, Adam Zampa, Kane Richardson
Melbourne Stars Preview
Marcus Stoinis' side has come full circle in the tournament. They started with five consecutive losses but have recovered with three consecutive wins to get their campaign back on track. The side defeated the Sydney Sixers in the last game by 16 runs. They must win this game to stay alive in the race for playoffs, and Stoinis would like his players to take inspiration from their earlier win against the Renegades.
Ben Duckett and Sam Harper are good players at the top, and the team needs them to deliver a good start, as their inconsistency is a cause of concern. Beau Webster has rescued the team on more than one occasion, and he will look to do well in the middle order with Marcus Stoinis and Dan Lawrence. Glenn Maxwell is the key player in the lineup and must do well in the death overs with Hilton Cartwright.
The bowlers have done a good job in the last few games. The side will expect early breakthroughs from Mark Steketee and Joel Paris. Peter Siddle is in good form and will look to keep the scoring rate under check with Usama Mir. Beau Webster, Maxwell, and Marcus Stoinis strengthen the bowling attack.
Expected Starting XI for Melbourne Stars
Marcus Stoinis (c), Sam Harper (wk), Ben Duckett, Daniel Lawrence, Beau Webster, Glenn Maxwell, Usama Mir, Hilton Cartwright, Joel Paris, Mark Steketee, Peter Siddle
TOSS: To Bowl First
Docklands Stadium is a small venue, making it difficult to defend scores. The side chasing the score in the last few seasons has won more games. The two captains will take a cue from these results and invite the opposition to bat first.
PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS
There will be overcast skies over Melbourne, and we expect the bowlers to enjoy bowling in these conditions. The surface will have something for the bowlers in the early overs, but the batting conditions will be good. The team batting first would like to have 170 runs on the board.
OUR PREDICTION
The stakes are high in this game for both teams. They need to win to keep their hopes alive. The Melbourne Renegades camp lacks confidence and has performed poorly in the last few games. The Melbourne Stars have made a strong recovery and have momentum with three consecutive wins. They are ahead on cricket betting apps, and our money will be on the Stars to win this game.
Our Prediction is for Melbourne Stars to win
)
