Hobart Hurricanes and Melbourne Stars face a season-defining clash in the Knockout match of the Men’s Big Bash League 2025–26 at Bellerive Oval. With a place in the Challenger on the line, both teams enter under pressure after late stumbles in the league phase.
The Knockout shapes as a high-stakes contest between the defending champions and a Stars side desperate to convert potential into finals success.
Match details
Match Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars, Knockout Match
Tournament Men’s Big Bash League 2025–26
Date Wednesday, January 21
Venue Bellerive Oval, Hobart
Start time 2:00 PM IST, 1:30 PM PST, 8:30 AM GMT
Hobart Hurricanes Team Overview
Hobart Hurricanes began their title defence in strong fashion, registering four wins in their first five matches and asserting early control over the tournament. A convincing opening victory against Sydney Thunder set the tone, with the squad displaying balance across departments. However, momentum dipped during the middle phase, and the Hurricanes eventually slipped to third on the points table.
They enter the Knockout after a narrow three-run defeat to Brisbane Heat, a match that exposed fine margins under pressure. Chasing 161, Hobart fell short at 157 despite half-centuries from Beau Webster and Ben McDermott. Webster’s return to form has been a timely boost, while McDermott continues to anchor the batting order. As defending champions, Hobart rely on experience, home familiarity, and a varied bowling attack led by Riley Meredith and Chris Jordan to regain control at the right time.
Melbourne Stars Team Overview
Melbourne Stars finished fourth after a mixed league campaign that featured a flying start followed by inconsistency. Four consecutive wins early placed them among the front-runners, but momentum slowed as the season progressed. They arrive in Hobart after a six-wicket loss to Perth Scorchers, where their batting collapsed for 130 despite Marcus Stoinis’ composed 55 off 39 balls.
The Stars possess significant star power, with Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell forming the core of the middle order. Sam Harper’s form at the top has been one of the highlights of the season, while Haris Rauf and Peter Siddle provide experience and pace with the ball. The challenge for Melbourne remains consistency across the full 20 overs.
Head-to-Head Record
Hobart Hurricanes and Melbourne Stars have met 23 times in T20 cricket. Melbourne Stars hold a clear edge with 15 wins, while Hobart Hurricanes have secured eight victories. Recent encounters across competitions also favour the Stars, adding an extra psychological edge heading into the Knockout.
Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
Bellerive Oval traditionally offers good bounce and carry early, assisting fast bowlers with the new ball. Batting becomes easier once players settle, especially in the second half of the innings. Spin can play a role during the middle overs, but pace remains the dominant factor. A first-innings total in the range of 165 to 175 shapes as competitive.
Weather could influence the contest significantly. Hobart is expected to experience dark, cloudy, and cold conditions, with rain probability around 84 percent. Temperatures may hover between 16 and 22 degrees Celsius, accompanied by strong winds close to 20 km/h, increasing the likelihood of interruptions.
Probable Playing XIs
Hobart Hurricanes
Mitchell Owen, Tim Ward, Nikhil Chaudhary, Matthew Wade (captain, wicketkeeper), Ben McDermott, Macalister Wright, Rehan Ahmed, Chris Jordan, Billy Stanlake, Rishad Hossain, Riley Meredith
Melbourne Stars
Blake MacDonald, Sam Harper (wicketkeeper), Campbell Kellaway, Thomas Fraser Rogers, Marcus Stoinis (captain), Glenn Maxwell, Hilton Cartwright, Tom Curran, Mitchell Swepson, Haris Rauf, Peter Siddle
Players to Watch
Beau Webster shapes as a key figure for Hobart after strong contributions in recent matches, including a crucial fifty against Brisbane Heat. His all-round ability adds flexibility. Sam Harper stands out for Melbourne Stars after scoring 371 runs in seven innings at an average above 60, providing aggressive starts consistently. Marcus Stoinis remains central to the Stars’ hopes, contributing 264 runs and 14 wickets across the season, underlining his dual impact.
Toss and Match Scenarios
Recent trends at Bellerive Oval favour bowling first. In the last five T20 matches at the venue, captains chose to bowl after winning the toss. Overall records also show chasing teams holding a slight advantage, suggesting early use of seam movement before settling into the chase could prove decisive.
Broadcast and Live Streaming Information
The HH vs MS Knockout match will be televised in India on the Star Sports Network, with live streaming available on the JioHotstar app and website. In Pakistan, viewers can follow the match on Star Sports via cable operators and associated digital platforms. Australian audiences can watch the game on Fox Cricket and Channel Seven, with streaming on Kayo Sports and 7plus. UK viewers can access coverage through Sky Sports Cricket, while global audiences can follow official Big Bash League digital platforms where available.
Match Prediction
Both sides enter with flaws and strengths clearly defined. Hobart Hurricanes benefit from home conditions and knockout experience, while Melbourne Stars carry a stronger recent head-to-head record and greater top-order firepower. Weather interruptions could compress the game and favour teams with aggressive batting depth. On balance, Melbourne Stars hold a slight edge due to form against Hobart and match-winners peaking at the right time, but the contest remains finely poised and dependent on early momentum.
