Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder Prediction: Who Will Win MLS vs SYT 14th T20 BBL Match?
The Big Bash League 2025 continues with an exciting contest as Melbourne Stars lock horns with Sydney Thunder in the 14th T20 at Manuka Oval on Sunday, 28 December 2025. Both sides enter this clash with contrasting momentum, setting up an intriguing battle under the Canberra skies. This Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder prediction analyses recent form, team balance, historical trends, and conditions to determine who holds the advantage.
Melbourne Stars have enjoyed an excellent start to the season, winning their first three matches convincingly to sit atop the points table. Their success has been built on a well-balanced squad, combining explosive batting with disciplined bowling. Key players like Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, and Haris Rauf have consistently delivered in pressure moments, giving the Stars confidence heading into this fixture.
Sydney Thunder, in contrast, have endured an inconsistent opening to their campaign. While they possess match-winners across departments, lapses in execution have cost them dearly. However, Thunder have historically dominated the Stars in recent head-to-head encounters, winning the last five meetings, which adds an extra psychological edge.
With Manuka Oval traditionally offering good batting conditions and an average first-innings score around 165, fans can expect an entertaining contest. Momentum versus history will be at play, making this Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder prediction a fascinating one as both teams aim to strengthen their position in the BBL standings.
- Melbourne Stars are unbeaten and top of the table
- Sydney Thunder have won the last five head-to-head games
- Manuka Oval favors competitive, high-scoring matches
- Key all-rounders could decide the outcome
Match Details
| Match | Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder, 14th T20 |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, 28 December 2025 |
| Time | 1:45 PM (Local) |
| Venue | Manuka Oval, Canberra |
| Tournament | Big Bash League 2025 |
Team Preview
Melbourne Stars Preview
Melbourne Stars have started BBL 2025 in dominant fashion, registering three consecutive victories to claim early control of the tournament. Their batting unit has shown depth and flexibility, allowing them to adapt to varying match situations. Openers Joe Clarke and Campbell Kellaway have provided brisk starts, while Sam Harper has been the standout performer so far, amassing 165 runs in three matches at a strike rate exceeding 170.
The middle order is packed with experience. Glenn Maxwell’s aggressive intent and Marcus Stoinis’ composure make the Stars dangerous during the middle and death overs. Support from Hilton Cartwright and Tom Curran further strengthens their finishing ability. With multiple all-rounders, the Stars maintain balance even if early wickets fall.
Bowling has been equally impressive. Haris Rauf’s pace and aggression, combined with Peter Siddle’s experience, have yielded regular breakthroughs. Mitchell Swepson’s leg-spin provides control in the middle overs, while Curran and Stoinis offer valuable seam options. This collective effort has enabled Melbourne Stars to dominate across all phases of the game.
Sydney Thunder Preview
Sydney Thunder have had a mixed start, managing one win alongside two heavy defeats. Their batting has shown flashes of promise, particularly through Matthew Gilkes, who has scored 108 runs at an explosive strike rate. Cameron Bancroft and Sam Billings add stability, while David Warner’s presence at the top provides leadership and experience.
Shadab Khan has been Thunder’s most influential all-rounder, contributing both runs and wickets. His ability to control the middle overs could be vital against a strong Stars lineup. Daniel Sams and Chris Green add depth, but inconsistency in finishing innings has been a concern.
Bowling remains an area requiring improvement. While Reece Topley and Nathan McAndrew have picked up wickets, their economy rates have been on the higher side. Shadab Khan has been the standout bowler, claiming six wickets and applying pressure. To challenge the Stars, Thunder must tighten their bowling plans and capitalize on key moments.
Also Check: BBL 2025-26: Points Table, Most Runs & Most Wickets
Team Squads
Melbourne Stars: Joe Clarke, Sam Harper, Campbell Kellaway, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Hilton Cartwright, Tom Curran, Jonathan Merlo, Mitchell Swepson, Haris Rauf, Peter Siddle
Sydney Thunder: Sam Konstas, Matthew Gilkes, David Warner, Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings, Shadab Khan, Daniel Sams, Chris Green, Nathan McAndrew, Tanveer Sangha, Reece Topley
Probable Playing XI
| Melbourne Stars | Sydney Thunder |
|---|---|
| Joe Clarke | Sam Konstas |
| Sam Harper (wk) | Matthew Gilkes |
| Campbell Kellaway | David Warner (c) |
| Glenn Maxwell | Cameron Bancroft |
| Marcus Stoinis (c) | Sam Billings (wk) |
| Hilton Cartwright | Shadab Khan |
| Tom Curran | Daniel Sams |
| Jonathan Merlo | Chris Green |
| Mitchell Swepson | Nathan McAndrew |
| Haris Rauf | Tanveer Sangha |
| Peter Siddle | Reece Topley |
Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder Today’s Dream11/Fantasy Prediction
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Batters | Sam Harper, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Gilkes |
| All-rounders | Marcus Stoinis, Shadab Khan |
| Bowlers | Haris Rauf, Mitchell Swepson, Reece Topley |
| Wicketkeeper | Sam Billings |
This Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder prediction favors a Stars-heavy fantasy approach due to current form. Sam Harper is a must-pick given his consistency and strike rate. Glenn Maxwell offers explosive upside, while Marcus Stoinis provides all-round value. From Thunder, Shadab Khan remains the safest fantasy option with contributions in both departments.
Haris Rauf’s wicket-taking ability makes him a strong bowling pick, while Mitchell Swepson can exploit middle overs. Gilkes is Thunder’s most reliable batting option.
Captain Choices: Marcus Stoinis, Sam Harper
Vice-Captain Choices: Glenn Maxwell, Shadab Khan
Players to Avoid: Jonathan Merlo, Tanveer Sangha
Also Check: Get The Best Fantasy Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team in Today’s Match
Melbourne Stars are the favourite in today’s match due to superior current form and squad depth. They enter this fixture unbeaten in BBL 2025 with three consecutive wins, showcasing batting consistency and bowling discipline. The Stars’ top-order contributions from Sam Harper, Glenn Maxwell, and Marcus Stoinis have provided both stability and explosive momentum.
Their bowling attack, led by Haris Rauf and supported by experienced pacers and spinners, has delivered regular breakthroughs at crucial junctures. In contrast, Sydney Thunder have displayed inconsistency, with mixed batting performances and occasional struggles in death bowling phases.
Although Thunder hold a recent head-to-head advantage, Melbourne Stars’ combination of form, balance, and confidence in execution makes them better equipped to dictate match flow. Therefore, based on current performance metrics and squad dynamics, Melbourne Stars are favoured to secure a win in this Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder prediction.
Melbourne Stars T20 History
| Matches | Won | Lost | No Result | Tie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 160 | 77 | 82 | 1 | 0 |
Sydney Thunder T20 History
| Matches | Won | Lost | No Result | Tie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 158 | 64 | 87 | 7 | 0 |
Head-to-Head: Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder
| Matches | Stars Won | Thunder Won |
|---|---|---|
| 22 | 10 | 12 |
Sydney Thunder have a slight overall advantage in head-to-head encounters with 12 wins compared to Melbourne Stars’ 10 victories. However, the Stars have closed the recent gap by winning in key fixtures of the current season.
Also Check: Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder Head to Head in T20 – Records, Team & Players Stats
Pitch Report
The Manuka Oval pitch offers a balanced contest between bat and ball. Early in the match, pacers can extract movement with the new ball due to variable bounce and seam assistance. As the surface settles, batsmen who rotate strike and find gaps can build steady innings. Spinners are more effective in the middle overs as the pitch wears, rewarding flight and variations. Chases are achievable if teams maintain a strong run rate through the powerplay. A total around 165–175 is competitive, and teams with disciplined bowling strategies in middle overs often gain an edge.
Weather Report
| Condition | Forecast |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 22–25°C |
| Rain Chance | Low |
| Humidity | Moderate |
Clear skies with minimal rain risk are expected, ensuring uninterrupted play and comfortable batting conditions under the Canberra sunshine.
Broadcast Details
The match will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network and streamed on JioHotstar. Fans can follow ball-by-ball coverage, expert commentary, and real-time score updates. Additionally, digital platforms including the official BBL app and website provide highlights, player statistics, and post-match analysis for global audiences.
Toss Prediction
In daytime conditions at Manuka Oval with a fresh pitch, teams may prefer to chase and gauge the target before setting a total. According to this Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder prediction, Sydney Thunder are likely to win the toss and opt to field first, aiming to leverage the conditions and plan a calculated chase.
Score Prediction
- If Melbourne Stars bat first: 170–175
- If Sydney Thunder bat first: 155–160
Competitive totals around these ranges are expected at Manuka Oval, where batting-friendly conditions reward partnerships and aggressive intent.
Probable Batsman & Bowler
For this Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder prediction, Sam Harper is projected as the top batting threat for Melbourne Stars due to his consistent scoring and strike rate. Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell also pose significant batting risks across innings. For Sydney Thunder, Matthew Gilkes and Cameron Bancroft are key batters capable of anchoring or accelerating innings depending on conditions.
On the bowling front, Haris Rauf stands out for the Stars with his ability to strike early and control powerplay phases. Mitchell Swepson’s spin could also generate crucial middle-over breakthroughs. For Sydney Thunder, Shadab Khan is a prime bowling pick, combining spin variation and disciplined lines. Reece Topley and Nathan McAndrew can chip in with valuable overs, especially in powerplay and death phases.
Also Check For More: Big Bash League Prediction
Match Prediction
This Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder prediction favours Melbourne Stars due to their unbeaten start, balanced lineup, and in-form key players. While Sydney Thunder have historical head-to-head success, current season form and consistency edge the Stars ahead. Therefore, Melbourne Stars are expected to win this contest and maintain their strong Big Bash League campaign momentum.
Winner: Melbourne Stars 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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