STA vs HUR Match Preview – The excitement of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 continues as the Melbourne Stars prepare to host the Hobart Hurricanes in Match 5 at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The Stars, led by Marcus Stoinis, are aiming for a winning start to their campaign after finishing fourth in the previous edition. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes, the reigning champions, enter this clash with winning momentum after a tense four-wicket victory over the Sydney Thunder in their season opener.
STA vs HUR Match Details
| Feature | Details |
| Match | Melbourne Stars vs Hobart Hurricanes, Match 5 |
| Series | Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 |
| Date & Time | December 18, 2025, 01:45 PM IST (07:15 PM AEDT) |
| Venue | Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne |
| Live Telecast | JioHotstar, Star Sports (India) |
STA vs HUR Match Preview
The Melbourne Stars will be looking to break a streak of four consecutive opening-match losses in the BBL. With a middle order featuring the destructive pair of Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis, the Stars possess significant power-hitting capabilities and all-round depth. Maxwell, in particular, has been in sublime form against the Hurricanes, averaging 136 across his last five innings against them.
The Hobart Hurricanes, on the other hand, are already off the mark with a win. Their top order, led by Mitchell Owen and Nikhil Chaudhary—who scored 41 in the first game—looks settled. The Hurricanes’ bowling attack, featuring the pace of Billy Stanlake (who took 3/34 in the opener) and the wily Nathan Ellis, will be a stern test for the Stars’ top order.
STA vs HUR Head-to-Head (Last 22 Matches)
Historically, the Melbourne Stars have enjoyed a clear advantage over the Hobart Hurricanes in BBL history.
| Team | Matches Played | Wins | Losses | No Result |
| Melbourne Stars | 22 | 14 | 8 | 0 |
| Hobart Hurricanes | 22 | 8 | 14 | 0 |
Recent Form: The Stars have won four of their last six encounters against the Hurricanes, including a 40-run victory in their most recent meeting on January 19, 2025.
STA vs HUR Pitch and Weather Report
Pitch Report
The MCG surface is traditionally hard and true, offering good bounce for batters and assistance for seamers with the new ball.
Initial Phase: Pace bowlers can expect some seam and swing movement in the first few overs.
Later Phase: As the game progresses, it typically turns into a batting paradise.
Spin: Spinners usually find limited assistance, making express pace a more effective weapon.
Stats: Chasing is often preferred at this venue, as teams batting second have won 58 out of 106 T20 matches here.
STA vs HUR Weather Report
The forecast for Melbourne on December 18, 2025, indicates a very hot day.
Temperature: Predicted highs of 33°C to 37°C during the day, cooling to around 21°C–24°C by the evening.
Conditions: Clear and sunny skies are expected with 0% chance of rain, ensuring an uninterrupted full match.
Wind: Moderate winds around 14–20 km/h.
STA vs HUR Squads
Melbourne Stars Squad: Thomas Fraser Rogers, Joe Clarke, Sam Harper (w), Marcus Stoinis (c), Glenn Maxwell, Hilton Cartwright, Tom Curran, Liam Hatcher, Haris Rauf, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Swepson, Aryan Sharma, Jonathan Merlo, Campbell Kellaway.
Hobart Hurricanes Squad: Mitchell Owen, Nikhil Chaudhary, Ben McDermott, Tim David, Matthew Wade (w), Rehan Ahmed, Chris Jordan, Nathan Ellis (c), Rishad Hossain, Riley Meredith, Billy Stanlake, Will Prestwidge, Tim Ward, Jackson Bird.
STA vs HUR Possible Playing11
Melbourne Stars (STA): Thomas Fraser Rogers, Joe Clarke, Sam Harper (wk), Marcus Stoinis (c), Glenn Maxwell, Hilton Cartwright, Tom Curran, Mitchell Swepson, Haris Rauf, Peter Siddle, Liam Hatcher.
Hobart Hurricanes (HUR): Mitchell Owen, Nikhil Chaudhary, Ben McDermott, Matthew Wade (wk), Tim David, Rishad Hossain, Chris Jordan, Nathan Ellis (c), Riley Meredith, Billy Stanlake, Jackson Bird.
STA vs HUR Match Prediction
While the Melbourne Stars hold a superior head-to-head record and the home advantage at the MCG, the Hobart Hurricanes enter this match as slight favorites. The Hurricanes have the benefit of already having played a game, allowing their batters to find rhythm and their bowlers to adjust to match conditions. However, the Stars’ middle order is formidable, and if Glenn Maxwell fires, they could easily overwhelm the visitors.
Prediction: Hobart Hurricanes to win a close contest, buoyed by their recent winning momentum and title-defending form.
