The knockout phase of the Big Bash League 2025–26 heats up as Hobart Hurricanes take on Melbourne Stars in a do-or-die encounter at the Bellerive Oval on Wednesday, January 21.
With a place in the Challenger on the line, both teams will be under immense pressure in what promises to be a high-intensity knockout contest.
Below is The Betting Professionals’ (TBP) expert analysis, covering match preview, team form, head-to-head stats, pitch report, betting odds, and match prediction.
HUR vs STA – Match Details (BBL 2025-26 Knockout)
Match | Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars |
Match | Knockout |
Format | T20 |
Date | 21 January 2026 |
Time | 7:30 PM Local / 2:00 PM IST |
Venue | Bellerive Oval, Hobart |
Series | Big Bash League 2025-26 |
Match Preview: Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars
Hobart Hurricanes finished 3rd in the league stage and will enjoy home advantage, while Melbourne Stars scraped through in 4th and now face a sudden-death scenario on the road. The two sides bring contrasting strengths into this clash—Hurricanes’ consistency versus Stars’ explosive firepower.
Hobart Hurricanes (HUR) Preview
Hobart Hurricanes secured 3rd place in the standings and now look to make full use of familiar conditions in Hobart.
Top run-scorer: Nikhil Chaudhary (279 runs)
Top wicket-taker: Nathan Ellis (14 wickets)
The Hurricanes narrowly lost their final league game by 3 runs against Brisbane Heat. While Beau Webster and Ben McDermott stitched together a crucial 98-run stand during the chase, a late collapse proved costly as Hobart fell just short.
Hobart Hurricanes Predicted Playing XI
Tim Ward, Mitchell Owen, Beau Webster, Ben McDermott (C), Nikhil Chaudhary, Matthew Wade (WK), Rehan Ahmed, Chris Jordan, Rishad Hossain, Riley Meredith, Billy Stanlake
Melbourne Stars (STA) Preview
Melbourne Stars finished 4th and must now win on the road to keep their BBL campaign alive.
Top run-scorer: Sam Harper (371 runs)
Top wicket-taker: Haris Rauf (18 wickets)
Stars entered the Knockout after a 6-wicket defeat to Perth Scorchers, where only Marcus Stoinis (55) showed resistance with the bat. Despite the loss, their squad remains packed with match-winners capable of turning games quickly.
Melbourne Stars Predicted Playing XI
Thomas Rogers, Sam Harper (WK), Joe Clarke, Campbell Kellaway, Marcus Stoinis (C), Hilton Cartwright, Glenn Maxwell, Tom Curran, Mitchell Swepson, Haris Rauf, Peter Siddle
HUR vs STA Head-to-Head Record
Historically, Melbourne Stars have dominated this rivalry.
Matches Played: 23
Melbourne Stars Wins: 15
Hobart Hurricanes Wins: 8
📊 Advantage: Melbourne Stars
Pitch Report – Bellerive Oval, Hobart
The Bellerive Oval has produced high-scoring contests in BBL 2025–26.
Matches played this season: 5
Average first-innings score: 182
Teams batting first won: 3 out of 5
Despite that, captains often prefer to bowl first in knockout games to assess the target under pressure.
📌 Balanced surface with slight help for batters
Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars – Betting Odds
According to the latest 1xBet odds:
Hobart Hurricanes to Win: 1.92
Melbourne Stars to Win: 1.92
📈 Odds suggest a near 50–50 contest
HUR vs STA Match Prediction – TBP Expert Verdict
With Melbourne Stars fielding a full-strength, unchanged XI and Hobart Hurricanes potentially missing key personnel, the balance slightly tilts in favour of the visitors. Stars also hold a strong historical edge and boast greater big-match experience.
✅ TBP Match Prediction: Melbourne Stars to Win & Qualify for the Challenger
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