Bangladesh A vs Melbourne Stars Academy Prediction: Who Will Win 27th T20 Top End Series Match on 21st August 2025?
The Bangladesh A vs Melbourne Stars Academy prediction for the 27th T20 of the Top End Series 2025 promises to be a thrilling battle as both sides look to strengthen their position in the league table. Scheduled for Thursday, 21st August 2025 at Marrara Cricket Ground, Darwin, this contest holds significant value as both teams have been inconsistent in recent matches. Bangladesh A currently sit 7th with 2 wins and 2 losses, while Melbourne Stars Academy are placed 4th with 2 wins and 1 defeat. With in-form batters like Jishan Alam and Tom Fraser Rogers, and wicket-takers such as Rakibul Hasan and Doug Warren, the clash is expected to be a tightly fought affair.
Match Details
| Match | Bangladesh A vs Melbourne Stars Academy, 27th T20 |
|---|---|
| Date | Thursday, 21st August 2025 |
| Time | 3:00 PM (Local) |
| Venue | Marrara Cricket Ground, Darwin |
| Broadcaster | FanCode |
Team Previews
Bangladesh A Preview
Bangladesh A are regaining momentum after a shaky start in the series. They secured a crucial 22-run win over Northern Territory in their last game. Batting first, their top order delivered with Mohammad Naim providing a quickfire 25 off 11 balls, while Jishan Alam continued his fine form with 30. Afif Hossain’s 41-run knock added stability, helping them post 172/4. Their bowling was equally disciplined, with Rakibul Hasan leading the attack and continuing his dominance as the tournament’s top wicket-taker for Bangladesh A.
The team’s strength lies in their balanced unit—power hitters at the top and spinners in the middle overs who can choke runs and pick wickets. However, they need more consistency from Yasir Ali and Mahidul Islam Ankon to avoid middle-order collapses. If they can build partnerships and defend totals like their last outing, they stand a strong chance against the Melbourne Stars Academy side.
Melbourne Stars Academy Preview
Melbourne Stars Academy have been one of the more exciting teams in the tournament. With Tom Fraser Rogers dominating as the top run-scorer (238 runs), the batting order has a solid foundation. In their previous game against Perth Scorchers Academy, the Stars managed 166/4, with Sam Harper scoring 54 off 35 balls. Despite a flying start, the middle order couldn’t capitalize, and they fell short of a bigger total. Their bowlers struggled against an aggressive chase, with Warren and McClure unable to break crucial partnerships.
This team’s batting is their biggest strength, particularly Harper and Rogers. However, their bowling remains a weak point, with only 4 wickets for Warren being their best performance. For them to succeed against Bangladesh A, their bowlers must step up and restrict the opposition’s aggressive batters.
Squads
Bangladesh A:
Jishan Alam, Mohammad Naim, Yasir Ali, Afif Hossain, Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby, Saif Hassan, Mahidul Islam Ankon (wk), Nurul Hasan (wk), Hasan Mahmud, Mrittunjoy Chowdhury, Musfik Hasan, Naeem Hasan, Rakibul Hasan, Ripon Mondol, Tufayel Ahmed
Melbourne Stars Academy:
Blake Macdonald, Campbell Kellaway, Max Birthisel, Thomas Rogers, Aryan Sharma, Austin Anlezark, Christian Howe, Jonathan Merlo, Liam Blackford (wk), Sam Harper (wk), Cameron McClure, Doug Warren, Hamish McKenzie, Sam Elliott
Probable Playing XI
Bangladesh A: Mohammad Naim, Jishan Alam, Yasir Ali, Afif Hossain, Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby, Saif Hassan, Mahidul Islam Ankon (wk), Hasan Mahmud, Rakibul Hasan, Naeem Hasan, Mrittunjoy Chowdhury
Melbourne Stars Academy: Blake Macdonald, Campbell Kellaway, Sam Harper (wk), Thomas Rogers, Jonathan Merlo, Tom Fraser Rogers, Aryan Sharma, Cameron McClure, Doug Warren, Hamish McKenzie, Sam Elliott
Fantasy Team XI
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| WK | Sam Harper, Mahidul Islam Ankon |
| Batters | Jishan Alam, Mohammad Naim, Tom Fraser Rogers, Campbell Kellaway |
| All-rounders | Afif Hossain, Jonathan Merlo |
| Bowlers | Rakibul Hasan, Hasan Mahmud, Doug Warren |
Captain Picks: Tom Fraser Rogers, Jishan Alam
Vice-Captain Picks: Afif Hossain, Sam Harper
Players to Avoid: Yasir Ali (inconsistent form), Hamish McKenzie (less effective so far)
Fantasy Analysis: The team is built with a strong batting lineup led by Rogers and Alam. Afif Hossain provides balance with both bat and ball, while Rakibul Hasan is a must-pick given his wicket-taking form.
Favourite Team Today
Bangladesh A enter this match as the slight favorites. Their balanced unit of batters and bowlers makes them more reliable compared to Melbourne Stars Academy, who have struggled with their bowling attack. The presence of in-form players like Jishan Alam and Rakibul Hasan gives them an edge. Moreover, Bangladesh A’s ability to defend totals, as shown against Northern Territory, shows their resilience under pressure. If their middle order contributes, they can comfortably overcome the Stars’ challenge. Hence, Bangladesh A are the favorite team today.
Pitch Report
The Marrara Cricket Ground offers a balanced surface with some assistance to pacers early on. As the game progresses, spinners will come into play. A score of around 160+ is considered competitive here.
Weather Report
Darwin is expected to have clear skies with temperatures around 28°C. No rain interruptions are expected, ensuring a full 20-over contest.
Score Prediction
- If Bangladesh A Bat First: 168+
- If Melbourne Stars Academy Bat First: 138+
Toss Prediction
The team winning the toss is likely to bat first, considering the pitch slows down in the second innings.
Match Prediction
Winner: Bangladesh A Will Win
Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.
Disclaimer: Predictions are for entertainment purposes only. We don’t get involved in or promote betting or gambling. Also, We strongly discourage behaviors of participating in illegal activities related to cricket. Our experts try to be as correct as possible, but we do not guarantee 100% correctness.
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