Melbourne Renegades will take on Melbourne Stars in the 22nd match of the Men’s Big Bash League (BBL) 2025 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne. The clash will be played on Sunday, 4 January, with both teams aiming to strengthen their position in the points table as the tournament reaches a crucial phase.
Match Details
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Match: Melbourne Renegades vs Melbourne Stars, 22nd Match, BBL 2025
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Date: Sunday, 4 January 2025
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Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne
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Time: 12:35 PM IST, 12:05 PM PST, 07:05 AM GMT
Team Overview
Melbourne Renegades
The Renegades have endured a difficult start to their BBL 2025 campaign, managing just one win from four matches so far. Currently placed seventh on the points table, consistency has been their biggest concern. Their recent six-wicket defeat to the Sydney Sixers highlighted familiar issues, particularly with the bowling failing to defend totals. Tim Seifert has been the standout performer with the bat, scoring 170 runs in four innings at an impressive strike rate of 175, often providing quick starts. The Renegades will be hoping experienced bowlers like Jason Behrendorff and Gurinder Sandhu can step up and provide early breakthroughs at the MCG.
Melbourne Stars
The Melbourne Stars have been one of the strongest teams in the tournament despite their recent setback against Brisbane Heat, where they lost by four wickets after posting 195/6. That defeat ended their four-match winning streak, but they still remain near the top of the standings. Their batting unit, led by Sam Harper, Marcus Stoinis and supported by power-hitters like Glenn Maxwell, looks formidable. In bowling, Haris Rauf’s pace, along with the experience of Peter Siddle and the all-round skills of Tom Curran, gives the Stars a well-balanced attack.
Head-to-Head Record
In T20 encounters, Melbourne Stars clearly hold the upper hand. Out of 28 matches played between the two sides, the Stars have won 18, while the Renegades have managed 10 victories, with no ties or no-results.
Pitch Report
The MCG traditionally offers a balanced surface. Seamers are likely to enjoy some movement in the early overs, especially with the new ball. As the match progresses, batting becomes easier, and set batters can score freely due to the fast outfield. Spinners may find some assistance in the middle overs. The average first-innings score at this venue is around 170, making chasing a preferred option.
Probable Playing XI
Melbourne Renegades: Josh Brown, Tim Seifert, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Jake Fraser-McGurk, Oliver Peake, Hassan Khan, Will Sutherland (c), Gurinder Sandhu, Andrew Tye, Matthew Spoors, Jason Behrendorff
Melbourne Stars: Sam Hain, Sam Harper (wk), Campbell Kellaway, Thomas Fraser Rogers, Marcus Stoinis (c), Glenn Maxwell, Hilton Cartwright, Tom Curran, Mitchell Swepson, Haris Rauf, Peter Siddle
Key Players to Watch
Tim Seifert remains the Renegades’ biggest hope with the bat, while Sam Harper’s explosive form at the top makes him a major threat. Marcus Stoinis’ all-round contributions could once again prove decisive in a high-pressure Melbourne derby.
Live Streaming and Broadcast
The match will be broadcast live on official sports TV networks in different regions. Fans can also watch the game through authorized live-streaming platforms on websites and mobile apps, depending on regional broadcasting rights.
Match Scenarios and Prediction
If the toss-winning team chooses to bowl first, a total in the range of 160–175 could be competitive. The Renegades may fancy their chances while chasing, but overall form and squad balance give Melbourne Stars a slight edge. Considering their consistency and depth, the Stars enter this contest as favourites to win, although a close contest is expected at the MCG.