STA vs HUR BBL 2025-26, Pitch Report, Head to Head, Playing 11, AI Prediction

The 5th match of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025–26 will see the Melbourne Stars (STA) lock horns with the Hobart Hurricanes (HUR) at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Thursday, December 18. This clash marks the Stars first outing of the season, while the Hurricanes arrive with confidence after starting their title defence with a thrilling win.

Match Details: STA vs HUR

Detail	Information
Series	Big Bash League T20 2025–26
Match	Melbourne Stars vs Hobart Hurricanes, Match 5
Date	18th December 2025
Time	1:45 PM IST
Toss Time	1:15 PM IST
Venue	Melbourne Cricket Ground
City	Melbourne
Live Streaming	FanCode, JioHotstar
TV Broadcast	Star Sports Network

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Match Preview

The Stars begin their BBL 2025–26 journey at home with a strong and well-balanced squad. Led by Marcus Stoinis, the team boasts plenty of firepower with the likes of Glenn Maxwell, Joe Clarke, and Sam Harper in the batting department. Their bowling unit also looks threatening, especially on the fast MCG surface, with Haris Rauf, Peter Siddle, and Mitch Swepson providing variety and experience. Playing their first game at home, the Stars will be eager to set the tone early and start their campaign on a positive note.

The defending champions have already shown their composure under pressure this season. Their narrow four-wicket victory over Sydney Thunder highlighted the depth in their squad, with Chris Jordan delivering a match-winning all-round performance. With proven performers like Matthew Wade, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, and exciting pace options such as Riley Meredith, the Hurricanes look well-equipped to challenge the Stars even in away conditions.

Head-to-Head Record: STA vs HUR

Team	Matches Won
Melbourne Stars	14
Hobart Hurricanes	8
No Result	0

The Stars hold a clear advantage historically, though recent form suggests closely fought contests between these two sides.

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Weather & Pitch Report - MCG, Melbourne

Weather Report: The weather in Melbourne is expected to remain clear, with temperatures around 28°C and humidity between 30–35%, ensuring uninterrupted cricket.
Pitch Report: The MCG pitch is traditionally one of the quickest in Australia. The large square boundaries offer assistance to bowlers, particularly fast bowlers with the new ball. As the game progresses, spinners can also come into play due to the extra bounce and grip. Batters will need to rely on timing and running between the wickets rather than brute force.

Probable Playing 11

Melbourne Stars (STA) Playing 11:

1. Joe Clarke, 2. Sam Harper (wk), 3. Glenn Maxwell, 4. Marcus Stoinis (c), 5. Hilton Cartwright, 6. Tom Curran, 7. Campbell Kellaway, 8. Haris Rauf, 9. Peter Siddle, 10. Mitch Swepson, 11. Tom Rogers

Hobart Hurricanes (HUR) Playing 11:

1. Mitchell Owen, 2. Nikhil Chaudhary, 3. Rehan Ahmed, 4. Ben McDermott, 5. Tim David, 6. Matthew Wade (wk), 7. Chris Jordan, 8. Nathan Ellis (c), 9. Rishad Hossain, 10. Riley Meredith, 11. Billy Stanlake

Who Will Win Today’s Match? (AI Prediction)

Considering the home advantage, depth in all departments, and a bowling attack well-suited to MCG conditions, Melbourne Stars appear slightly ahead on paper. However, the Hurricanes’ winning momentum and calmness in pressure situations make them dangerous opponents.

AI Match Prediction: Melbourne Stars to win, but expect a close contest that could go down to the final overs.

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