Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars Prediction: Who Will Win HBH vs MLS 5th T20 BBL Match?
The Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars prediction for the 5th match of the Big Bash League 2025 shapes up as an intriguing contest between the defending champions and a rejuvenated Stars lineup. Scheduled at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, this clash brings together two teams with contrasting strengths but similar ambitions early in the season. Hobart Hurricanes arrive with momentum after a confident opening win, while Melbourne Stars are eager to establish early dominance at home.
Hobart Hurricanes enjoyed a dream start to their title defence, chasing down a challenging total against Sydney Thunder with composure and authority. Their batting lineup once again showed depth, flexibility, and explosive finishing power. Mitch Owen’s sensational run from last season appears uninterrupted, and the support cast around him provides Hobart with multiple scoring options throughout the innings. Their bowling unit, led by Riley Meredith and Billy Stanlake, also displayed sharp execution with the new ball and control at the death.
Melbourne Stars, on the other hand, enter this match with a restructured squad built around experience and power. With Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis anchoring the middle order, the Stars possess immense firepower. The addition of Joe Clarke at the top brings stability, while Haris Rauf’s raw pace gives their bowling attack cutting edge. Playing at the MCG, where boundaries are large and discipline is rewarded, the Stars will look to exploit home conditions.
As per this Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars prediction, execution under pressure and adaptability to the MCG surface will be decisive. Expect a competitive battle where small moments could define the outcome.
- Hobart Hurricanes enter the match as defending champions with early momentum
- Melbourne Stars rely heavily on Maxwell, Stoinis, and Haris Rauf
- MCG is expected to produce a competitive first-innings score of 165–170
- Hobart Hurricanes hold stronger overall balance across departments
Match Details
| Match | Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars, 5th T20 |
|---|---|
| Tournament | Big Bash League 2025 |
| Date | Thursday, 18 December 2025 |
| Time | 1:45 PM (IST) |
| Venue | Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne |
Team Preview
Hobart Hurricanes Team Preview
Hobart Hurricanes have started their BBL 2025 campaign exactly where they left off last season—with confidence, clarity, and attacking intent. The defending champions chased down 181 in their opening match, highlighting both their batting depth and calmness under pressure. Mitch Owen continues to be the linchpin of their batting unit, carrying forward his outstanding 2024 season where he scored 452 runs at a staggering strike rate above 200. His aggressive starts often allow Hobart to dictate terms early.
Nikhil Chaudhary has slotted in seamlessly alongside Owen, providing stability without slowing momentum. The middle order remains one of the strongest in the league, featuring Ben McDermott, Matthew Wade, and Tim David. David’s power-hitting ability in the final overs ensures Hobart can add 50-plus runs in the last five overs, a key T20 advantage.
Bowling remains equally balanced. Riley Meredith’s pace and bounce make him a threat in both powerplay and death overs, while Billy Stanlake’s height generates awkward bounce on larger grounds like the MCG. Nathan Ellis and Chris Jordan offer control and experience at the back end, minimizing leakage under pressure. Rishad Hossain’s wrist spin adds variation in the middle overs.
Hobart’s ability to adapt to different venues and conditions gives them a strategic edge going into this contest.
Also Check: BBL 2025-26 | Hobart Hurricanes – SWOT Analysis
Melbourne Stars Team Preview
Melbourne Stars approach BBL 2025 with renewed optimism after reinforcing key areas of their squad. The batting lineup revolves around experienced international stars who can dominate any bowling attack. Joe Clarke’s inclusion at the top provides composure, while Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis form one of the most dangerous middle-order pairings in the competition.
Maxwell’s ability to counter spin and accelerate instantly makes him the Stars’ most influential batter, especially on large grounds like the MCG. Stoinis adds brute strength and can chip in with crucial overs. Hilton Cartwright and Tom Curran deepen the batting while offering seam options.
Bowling is where the Stars aim to apply sustained pressure. Haris Rauf’s raw pace is a genuine wicket-taking weapon, particularly against aggressive batters. Peter Siddle’s experience and Mitch Swepson’s leg-spin provide tactical flexibility. Liam Hatcher offers reliability in support roles.
However, Melbourne’s inconsistency at the top order remains a concern. If early wickets fall, pressure quickly builds. Their success in this Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars prediction depends heavily on top-order stability and bowling discipline.
Also Check: BBL 2025-26 | Melbourne Stars – SWOT Analysis
Team Squads
Hobart Hurricanes:
Rehan Ahmed, Nikhil Chaudhary, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Rishad Hossain, Chris Jordan, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Mitch Owen, Billy Stanlake, Matthew Wade, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster, Mac Wright
Melbourne Stars:
Joe Clarke, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Haris Rauf, Tom Curran, Peter Siddle, Mitch Swepson, Sam Harper, Hilton Cartwright, Liam Hatcher, Campbell Kellaway, Scott Boland
Probable Playing XI
| Hobart Hurricanes | Melbourne Stars |
|---|---|
| Mitch Owen | Joe Clarke (wk) |
| Nikhil Chaudhary | Campbell Kellaway |
| Ben McDermott | Sam Harper |
| Tim David | Glenn Maxwell |
| Matthew Wade (wk) | Marcus Stoinis (c) |
| Rehan Ahmed | Hilton Cartwright |
| Chris Jordan | Tom Curran |
| Nathan Ellis (c) | Liam Hatcher |
| Rishad Hossain | Haris Rauf |
| Riley Meredith | Mitch Swepson |
| Billy Stanlake | Peter Siddle |
Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars Today’s Dream11/Fantasy Prediction
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Batters | Mitch Owen, Joe Clarke, Ben McDermott |
| All-rounders | Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David |
| Bowlers | Riley Meredith, Haris Rauf, Nathan Ellis |
| Wicketkeeper | Matthew Wade |
| Extra | Tom Curran |
This fantasy combination balances consistency, explosiveness, and wicket-taking potential. Mitch Owen is a must-pick due to his ability to score quick runs at the top. Glenn Maxwell remains invaluable for his dual role, offering points through batting, bowling, and fielding. Marcus Stoinis provides similar value with power-hitting and medium pace. Riley Meredith and Haris Rauf are strike bowlers likely to pick wickets during powerplay and death overs. Nathan Ellis adds economy-based fantasy points.
Captain choices:
- Mitch Owen
- Glenn Maxwell
Vice-captain choices:
- Tim David
- Marcus Stoinis
Players to avoid:
- Campbell Kellaway (inconsistent form)
- Peter Siddle (limited wicket-taking upside)
Also Check: Get The Best Fantasy Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team Today – Hobart Hurricanes
Hobart Hurricanes are the favourite team today due to their superior balance, form, and recent success. Their batting lineup is deeper and more explosive than Melbourne Stars, capable of scoring quickly without relying on a single player. Mitch Owen, Tim David, and Ben McDermott provide sustained aggression, while experienced finishers ensure strong death-over returns.
Bowling-wise, Hobart possess greater variety and control, especially with Nathan Ellis and Riley Meredith handling pressure moments effectively. The Hurricanes also arrive with winning momentum, which plays a crucial psychological role early in a tournament. Compared to the Stars, who still depend heavily on Maxwell and Stoinis, Hobart’s collective strength makes them more reliable in high-pressure scenarios.
Hobart Hurricanes T20 History
| Matches | Won | Lost | NR | Tie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 157 | 78 | 77 | 2 | 0 |
Melbourne Stars T20 History
| Matches | Won | Lost | NR | Tie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 160 | 76 | 82 | 1 | 1 |
Head-to-Head Stats
| Matches | HBH Won | MLS Won |
|---|---|---|
| 22 | 8 | 14 |
Melbourne Stars lead historically, but Hobart Hurricanes have won key recent encounters and carry better current form.
Also Check: Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars Head to Head in T20 – Records, Team & Players Stats
Pitch Report – MCG
The MCG offers a balanced surface with good bounce and large boundaries. Batters who pace their innings are rewarded, while bowlers who hit hard lengths can extract assistance. Spinners play a holding role. A score of 165–170 is competitive.
Weather Report
| Condition | Details |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 22–25°C |
| Rain Chance | 5% |
| Humidity | Moderate |
| Wind | Light breeze |
Weather conditions are ideal for uninterrupted play.
Broadcast Details
The Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars 5th T20 BBL 2025 match will be broadcast live on Star Sports Network, with live streaming available on JioHotstar, offering full match coverage, commentary, and analysis.
Toss Prediction
Melbourne Stars are likely to win the toss and may opt to bowl first, considering the chasing advantage at the MCG. Evening conditions generally assist batters later, making chasing slightly easier.
Score Prediction
- If Hobart Hurricanes bat first: 170+
- If Melbourne Stars bat first: 143+
A strong first-innings platform will be crucial.
Probable Batsman & Bowler
Probable Top Batsman: Mitch Owen, Glenn Maxwell
Probable Top Bowler: Riley Meredith, Haris Rauf
Owen’s aggressive starts and Maxwell’s counter-attacking ability make them top scoring contenders. Meredith and Rauf are expected to exploit bounce and pace effectively.
Also Check For More: Big Bash League Prediction
Match Prediction
As per this Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars prediction, Hobart Hurricanes hold the edge due to stronger batting depth and better bowling balance. Melbourne Stars will compete hard at home, but Hobart’s momentum and adaptability should see them prevail.
Our Winner: Hobart Hurricanes Will Win
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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.
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