The Melbourne Renegades will take on the Hobart Hurricanes in Match 8 of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 on Sunday, December 21, at Simonds Stadium, Geelong. Both teams come into this contest with winning momentum and will be eager to strengthen their position early in the tournament.
The clash is scheduled to begin at 1:45 pm IST and is expected to be a high-scoring affair given the batting-friendly conditions at the venue.
Match Details
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Match: Melbourne Renegades vs Hobart Hurricanes, Match 8, BBL 2025-26
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Date: Sunday, December 21, 2025
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Time: 1:45 pm IST
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Venue: Simonds Stadium, Geelong
Team Overview
The Melbourne Renegades started their BBL 2025-26 campaign in emphatic fashion, registering a 14-run victory in their opening fixture. Their batting unit looked in ominous touch, led by Tim Seifert, who smashed a breathtaking century. With aggressive top-order batters and a well-balanced bowling attack featuring experienced names, the Renegades will aim to maintain their winning rhythm at home.
Hobart Hurricanes, on the other hand, also began their season on a positive note with a four-wicket win built on a collective team effort. Their squad boasts power hitters like Tim David and Ben McDermott, along with a potent bowling lineup led by Nathan Ellis and Riley Meredith. The Hurricanes will be confident of challenging the Renegades, especially if their middle order fires consistently.
Head-to-Head Record
The two sides have faced each other 21 times in T20s so far. Hobart Hurricanes hold a slight edge with 12 wins, while Melbourne Renegades have emerged victorious on nine occasions. This narrow margin highlights how closely contested their encounters have been over the years.
Pitch Report – Simonds Stadium, Geelong
Simonds Stadium hosted its first-ever BBL match earlier this season, and it produced a high-scoring contest. The pitch is expected to once again favour batters, with true bounce and good carry allowing stroke-makers to play freely. Fast bowlers may find some assistance early with the new ball, but discipline will be key, as any loose deliveries are likely to disappear quickly.
Probable Playing XIs
Melbourne Renegades:
Josh Brown, Tim Seifert, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Oliver Peake, Will Sutherland (c), Matthew Spoors, Hassan Khan, Gurinder Sandhu, Fergus O’Neill, Jason Behrendorff
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
Key Players to Watch
Tim Seifert is expected to be the key batter in this contest after his explosive century in the opening game. His ability to dominate both pace and spin at the top could set the tone for the Renegades. For the Hurricanes, Billy Stanlake’s pace and bounce make him a crucial weapon, especially on a surface that offers carry.
Live Streaming and Broadcast Details
In Australia, the match will be broadcast live on Fox Sports and streamed via the Kayo Sports app. Indian viewers can watch the game live on Star Sports Network and stream it on the JioHotstar app and website. Fans in other regions can follow the action through official BBL digital platforms and regional broadcasters.
Match Scenarios and Prediction
If the Renegades bat first, they are likely to post a big total given their explosive top order. The Hurricanes, meanwhile, will fancy their chances while chasing if they can keep wickets in hand. Considering recent trends at the venue, the team batting first is expected to have a slight advantage.
Prediction: Team batting first to win the match.
