Sydney Sixers will face Melbourne Stars in Match 11 of the Big Bash League 2025–26 at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday, December 26. The contest brings together a Sixers side searching for consistency and a Stars team that has started the season in dominant fashion.
The match will get underway at 12:35 pm IST, which is 12:05 pm PST and 07:35 am GMT, with fans expecting a high-quality clash at one of Australia’s most iconic venues.
Match details
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Match: Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Stars, Match 11, BBL 2025–26
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Date: Friday, December 26, 2025
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Time: 12:35 pm IST, 12:05 pm PST, 07:35 am GMT
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Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
Team overview
Sydney Sixers have endured a mixed start to their campaign. From three matches, they have managed one win and two defeats, leaving them third on the points table. While the results have not fully gone their way, the Sixers have shown promise, particularly with the bat. Josh Philippe has been their standout performer, providing explosive starts at the top of the order. The inclusion of Babar Azam has added stability, while skipper Moises Henriques continues to anchor the middle order. The Sixers will be keen to make full use of home conditions to regain momentum.
Melbourne Stars have been the most impressive side of the tournament so far. Winning both their matches, they sit comfortably at the top of the table with four points. Their success has been built on a powerful batting lineup and a varied bowling attack. Marcus Stoinis has led from the front, supported by the experience of Glenn Maxwell and the pace of Haris Rauf. Another victory would strengthen their grip on first place and underline their title credentials.
Head-to-head record
The Sydney Sixers have traditionally enjoyed the upper hand in this rivalry. In 24 T20 meetings, the Sixers have won 15 matches, while the Stars have claimed eight victories, with one game ending in a tie. Their first encounter dates back to December 27, 2011, and their most recent meeting was played on January 9, 2025.
Pitch report
The Sydney Cricket Ground generally offers good batting conditions, with the ball coming nicely onto the bat. Fast bowlers need to work hard to extract movement, especially in the early overs. As the match progresses, spinners are likely to come into play, provided they maintain tight lines and lengths. The surface tends to slow down slightly in the second innings, making batting first a potentially advantageous option.
Key players to watch
Josh Philippe has been the standout batter of the tournament so far. With 170 runs in three innings, he currently leads the run-scoring charts and will once again be central to the Sixers’ chances. In the bowling department, Jack Edwards has been exceptional, picking up eight wickets in three matches at an average of just 9.37. His ability to strike regularly makes him a key threat.
For the Melbourne Stars, Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell form the backbone of the batting unit. Their ability to dominate spin and accelerate in the middle overs could prove decisive. Haris Rauf’s raw pace, along with Peter Siddle’s experience, gives the Stars a potent bowling combination.
Probable playing XIs
Sydney Sixers: Daniel Hughes, Babar Azam, Josh Philippe (wicketkeeper), Moises Henriques (captain), Jordan Silk, Jack Edwards, Ben Dwarshuis, Joel Davies, Todd Murphy, Jafer Chohan, Kane Richardson.
Melbourne Stars: Joe Clarke, Thomas Fraser Rogers, Campbell Kellaway, Marcus Stoinis (captain), Glenn Maxwell, Sam Harper (wicketkeeper), Hilton Cartwright, Tom Curran, Mitchell Swepson, Haris Rauf, Peter Siddle.
Live streaming and broadcast details
In India, the match will be broadcast live on the JioStar Network channels and streamed on the JioHotstar app and website. Australian viewers can watch the game on Fox Cricket and stream it on Kayo Sports. Fans in Pakistan and other regions can follow the match through licensed regional sports channels and official digital streaming platforms that carry Big Bash League coverage.
Probable match scenarios and prediction
With the SCG offering decent batting conditions early on, teams may prefer to bat first and post a competitive total before the pitch slows down. If the Sixers’ top order fires, they could put pressure on the Stars. However, Melbourne’s current form and depth make them tough to beat.
Match prediction: The team batting first is likely to win the match.
