Melbourne Stars v Hobart Hurricanes BBL Tips, Preview and Predictions

Gary Emmerson:

Contrasting wins in their season openers gave Melbourne Stars and Hobart Hurricanes two points going into this match at Ted Summerton Reserve in Victoria on Sunday.

It might be early in the season, but there is plenty at stake for both sides on Sunday afternoon.

Melbourne Stars

The Stars overcame a bad start to recover and win their match against Brisbane Heat by 22 runs. After being reduced to 118 for 6, the Stars rode on a Glenn Maxwell show (83 off 39 balls, 7×4 5×6) to post 167 for 7. That proved to be more than enough, as they reduced Heat to 145 for 8.

The Stars’ bowlers were on the dot all through the innings, as Adam Zampa (3 for 30) led the show. Daniel Worrall and Haris Rauf (a late replacement for Dale Steyn) ended up with two wickets each. All in all, it was a fruitful game for the Stars where most of their key players performed to the hilt.

Hobart Hurricanes

The Hurricanes gave a good account of themselves by defeating Sydney Sixers by 25 runs. After posting just 129 for 9, the Hurricanes blazed through the Sixers riding on a four-wicket haul by Qais Ahmad (4 for 12). There were two wickets each for Simon Milenko and James Faulkner, as the Hurricanes made their below par score look like a mountain.

All through their seasons, the Hurricanes’ batting has relied on D’Arcy Short and that continued in their first match as well. Ben McDermott will be expected to take more responsibility considering he is expected to come at number three. David Miller and George Bailey are the senior statesmen, but their presence need to be augmented by scores.

Match Up

It will be a match-up between two sides of different cricketing mentalities. The Stars will be relying on their star power, while the Hurricanes will hope to continue being consistent. It could be a match up between Short and Maxwell, as the two T20 superstars line up against each other. It could boil down to how well the two bowling units will respond to the challenge of keeping the other one at bay.

History & Statistics

  • Melbourne Stars have won four of their last six H2Hs and seven of 11 in total.
  • Five of the last six H2Hs were won by the chasing team.
  • Melbourne Stars have won six of the eight H2Hs they chased.
  • Melbourne Stars’ overall record while chasing is their best: 25-18 win-loss record.
  • Hobart Hurricanes have a 22-8 win-loss record while winning the toss.
  • Both Melbourne Stars and Hobart Hurricanes have a 1-1 record at neutral venues.

Key Players

Daniel Worrall is one of the underrated opening bowlers of the entire BBL. His ability to swing the ball is second to none, so is his ability to be among the wickets. Like he showed against the Heat, he can get wickets in the slog overs as well.

David Miller is one of the toughest batsmen to bowl at, once he settles down. If he can give himself 30 balls at the crease, Miller could make any side pay.

Tips