ST vs MS Match Preview

Melbourne Stars secured their debut in the BBL finals until the 2019-20 season by overcoming a 0-5 start with five consecutive victories. They will now face third-placed Sydney Thunder for the knockout final at Engie Stadium on Wednesday night. Surprisingly, the Stars' last loss came against the Thunder on December 28. Since then, the Stars have been unstoppable, led by dynamic captain Glen Maxwell. In contrast, the Thunder have had some inconsistent performances. Given their present momentum, the Stars are expected to be favorites in this knockout clash.

ST vs MS Match Details 

Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Stars – Knockout Match, Big Bash League 2024-25

Venue: Sydney Showground, Sydney

Date & Time: 22th January 2025 at 02:00 PM IST 

Live Streaming: FanCode

ST vs MS Venue Stats

Avg 1st inn score	177
Avg 2nd inn score	169
Win% batting 1st	57
Win% batting 2nd	43

ST vs MS Pitch Report

The pitch is ideal for batting because the ball comes easily onto the bat. Bowlers have a difficult time here, and the side that bats first must keep a target score of 130 runs in mind, and the average first-innings score is 183.

ST vs MS Weather Report

There will be clear skies, and we expect a batting-friendly wicket where fast bowlers will struggle. 

ST vs MS Last Five Matches

MS ( Melbourne Stars )	W L W W W
ST ( Sydney Thunder )	W L L L L

ST vs MS Head-to-Head Stats

	Matches Played	ST Won	MS Won	Tie	NR
Overall	12	5	7	0	0
Last 5	5	2	3	0	0

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: New vice-captain of team India: Hero of T20 World Cup Final

ST vs MS Probable Playing XIs:

Melbourne Stars Probable Playing XIs

Sydney Thunder Probable Playing XIs

Oliver Davies, David Warner (c), Matthew Gilkes, Sam Billings (wk), George Garton, Hugh Weibgen, Chris Green, Daniel Christian, Nathan McAndrew, Tom Andrews, Mohammad Hasnain/ Tanveer Sangha

Topmost Picks for ST vs MS Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Melbourne Stars

• Glenn Maxwell – Glenn Maxwell has been pivotal in turning the Stars' fortunes around, scoring an explosive unbeaten 76 from just 32 balls, including six sixes.
• Mark Steketee –  Mark Steketee has been consistent, claiming 15 wickets with an economy rate of 6.97

Top Picks – Sydney Thunder

• David Warner – David Warner has been instrumental in providing the team with regular solid starts, scoring 346 runs in 9 innings.
• Chris Green –  Chris Green has been the primary threat for the Thunder, taking 11 wickets in 8 innings while maintaining an economy rate of 7.32.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for ST vs MS Dream11 Team:

Sam Billings, Matthew Gilkes, Sam Harper, David Warner, Glenn Maxwell(C), Marcus Stoinis(VC), George Garton, Chris Green, Tom Andrews, Usama Mir, Mark Steketee

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for ST vs MS Dream11 Team:

Sam Billings, Hilton Cartwright, David Warner(C), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, George Garton, Tom Curran, Chris Green(VC), Tom Andrews, Usama Mir, Mark Steketee

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Glenn Maxwell, David Warner

Vice-captain – Marcus Stoinis, Chris Green

Wicketkeeper – Sam Billings

ST vs MS Probable Winners:

With five consecutive victories propelling them forward, the Melbourne Stars have emerged as a legitimate threat when they enter the knockout stage. The Thunder, on the other hand, have had a solid season but are hoping to improve on their inconsistent play.  Unfortunately with the Thunder, injuries have hampered their squad, and they may struggle against a Stars team that is in top form and has nothing to lose. Given the present performances of both teams, we predict a Stars victory in the Knockout final. Considering the team combination, Sydney Thunder is expected to win this match.