Melbourne Stars Women vs Sydney Thunder Women Prediction: Who Will Win MLSW vs SYTW 38th T20 WBBL Match?
The Melbourne Stars Women vs Sydney Thunder Women prediction for Match 38 of the 2025 Women’s Big Bash League arrives at a crucial moment in the tournament, with both teams entering the final stretch of the group stage with very different objectives. The Stars are fighting to secure a top-two finish, while the Thunder are looking to end their disappointing season on a positive note. In this detailed Melbourne Stars Women vs Sydney Thunder Women prediction article, we break down every major factor influencing this clash—team form, head-to-head numbers, squad depth, fantasy selections, pitch and weather conditions, and expert WBBL match insights.
The 2025 WBBL has been another action-packed season, showcasing world-class batting and rising bowling talent. The Stars have had a strong run overall, but their last two losses have placed pressure on this must-win fixture. Sitting at 11 points with one match to go, a win almost assures them a playoff spot. For the Thunder, things have gone from bad to worse: only three wins from nine games and completely out of playoff contention. However, this match offers them the chance to disrupt the Stars’ campaign—something they have historically succeeded at, given the uneven head-to-head record between these two sides.
This Melbourne Stars Women vs Sydney Thunder Women prediction becomes even more compelling when considering the venue: Junction Oval, Melbourne, a ground known for batting-friendly surfaces early on, but one that can also reward disciplined spin bowling in the middle overs. With top-tier performers like Meg Lanning, Phoebe Litchfield, Amy Jones, Tahlia Wilson, Sophie Day, and Shabnim Ismail on display, fans can expect a tight contest filled with tactical brilliance and high-pressure moments. Let’s dive deep into every detail and provide the complete Melbourne Stars Women vs Sydney Thunder Women prediction for WBBL Match 38.
- Melbourne Stars Women qualify for playoffs with a win; Thunder already eliminated.
- Meg Lanning, Sophie Day & Annabel Sutherland are key for the Stars.
- Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia Wilson & Shabnim Ismail must carry Thunder’s hopes.
- Stars hold better form and squad balance; they enter as favorites.
Match Details – WBBL 2025
| Match | MLSW vs SYTW, 38th T20 – WBBL 2025 |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, 6 December 2025 |
| Time | 5:10 AM (IST) |
| Venue | Junction Oval, Melbourne |
| Streaming | JioCinema, Hotstar |
| Broadcast | Star Sports Network |
Team Previews
Melbourne Stars Women Preview
Melbourne Stars Women approach this fixture knowing the stakes are high—a victory guarantees them a top-four spot and almost assures a top-two finish. Despite arriving on a two-match losing streak, the Stars remain one of the season’s strongest sides with 11 points from nine matches and an impressive net run rate of +0.863. Their campaign has been built on consistency, depth, and tactical precision under the leadership of Annabel Sutherland. With one league game to go, the side is fully aware that a slip-up here could complicate qualification scenarios, especially with several mid-table teams closing in.
Meg Lanning has been the heartbeat of the Stars’ batting lineup. The legendary Australian batter has been in sublime form, topping the season charts with 417 runs at a strike rate of 144, including four half-centuries. Her ability to pace an innings, punish loose deliveries, and accelerate in the death overs ensures the Stars always have a roadmap toward competitive scores. Supporting her is England’s Amy Jones, who has added important runs with 191 at a strike rate of 126. Her wicketkeeping remains flawless, and her experience anchors the top order wonderfully.
In the middle order, Annabel Sutherland and Danielle Gibson continue to offer reliability and aggression. Their 140+ runs this season have given Stars the balance and resilience needed during challenging phases. Maia Bouchier has chipped in with timely cameos, and when combined, the Stars possess one of the most flexible batting units in the WBBL.
Bowling has been another major strength. Sophie Day remains one of the best spinners this season with 16 wickets in nine matches at a sharp economy rate of 6.67. Her control and wicket-taking ability in the middle overs have strangled opponents repeatedly. Kim Garth and Sutherland add seam variety, while Sasha Moloney and Georgia Prestwidge offer additional support. With impressive squad depth, match-winning leaders, and strong tactical outlook, the Stars look ready to finish the league phase with a commanding performance.
Sydney Thunder Women Preview
Sydney Thunder Women enter this fixture with nothing but pride to play for. A disappointing campaign has seen them secure just three wins from nine matches while dropping five contests. With only seven points on the table and no mathematical pathway to the playoffs, the Thunder arrive as underdogs. However, this also means they can play freely, attempt bold strategies, and look to end their season on a positive note.
Captain Phoebe Litchfield has been their standout performer. Accumulating 234 runs at a strike rate of 149, she has delivered the most consistent contributions for her side. Her knock of 61 from 43 balls against Brisbane Heat Women in the previous match highlighted her confidence and leadership. Litchfield will again be expected to provide stability and acceleration at key moments.
The Thunder’s batting has shown glimpses of promise. Tahlia Wilson has been exceptional with 204 runs at a strike rate of 118.60 and has been one of the few reliable performers this season. Heather Knight, the experienced English all-rounder, has crossed 200 runs and remains a capable anchor in the middle overs. Georgia Voll also adds strong all-round presence, though her output fluctuates.
Bowling has been an area of concern for Sydney Thunder Women. Shabnim Ismail, the fiery South African pacer, remains their most dangerous bowler, taking 12 wickets while maintaining an economy of 7.97. Her pace and aggression can still influence matches significantly. Samantha Bates and Georgia Voll have taken eight wickets each, but beyond thisthere has been a lack of consistent breakthroughs. Laura Harris, Taneale Peschel, Emily Arlott, and Lucy Finn have all shown promise but have struggled to build pressure collectively.
The Thunder’s challenge lies in combining individual brilliance into collective execution—something they have failed to achieve consistently. Still, they have historically dominated the Stars in head-to-head meetings, meaning they enter this encounter with psychological advantage despite their poor form. A strong performance could derail the Stars’ playoff push and give Thunder fans something to rejoice in an otherwise tough season.
Also Check: WBBL 2025: Points Table, Most Runs & Most Wickets
Probable Playing XI
| Melbourne Stars Women | Sydney Thunder Women |
|---|---|
| Meg Lanning | Georgia Voll |
| Rhys McKenna | Tahlia Wilson (wk) |
| Amy Jones (wk) | Phoebe Litchfield (c) |
| Annabel Sutherland (c) | Heather Knight |
| Maia Bouchier | Anika Learoyd |
| Danielle Gibson | Lucy Finn |
| Kim Garth | Laura Harris |
| Sasha Moloney | Emily Arlott |
| Georgia Prestwidge | Taneale Peschel |
| Maisy Gibson | Shabnim Ismail |
| Sophie Day | Samantha Bates |
Melbourne Stars Women vs Sydney Thunder Women Today’s Dream11/Fantasy Prediction
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| WK | Amy Jones |
| BAT | Meg Lanning, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia Wilson |
| AR | Annabel Sutherland, Heather Knight, Georgia Voll |
| BOWL | Sophie Day, Shabnim Ismail, Kim Garth, Samantha Bates |
For this Melbourne Stars Women vs Sydney Thunder Women prediction fantasy team, the goal is to combine proven top-order scorers with consistent wicket-takers. Meg Lanning and Phoebe Litchfield are must-have picks because both bat in the top three and have exceptional form. Amy Jones adds wicketkeeping points and consistency as a batter. Tahlia Wilson provides huge value as she plays both anchor and aggressor roles effectively.
In the all-rounder section, Annabel Sutherland, Heather Knight, and Georgia Voll offer balance. Sutherland contributes in both powerplay and death overs, while Knight’s middle-order batting stability and occasional bowling make her a high-value pick. Voll’s dual role ensures she gets significant opportunities across the match.
Sophie Day and Shabnim Ismail are essential bowling choices. Day is among the top wicket-takers this season and thrives at Junction Oval, where spin comes into play. Ismail brings pace and early-wicket potential. Kim Garth and Samantha Bates round out the attack with disciplined economy rates and occasional breakthroughs.
This balanced XI maximises scoring potential by combining reliable batters with high-impact bowlers across both teams.
Captain Suggestions:
- Meg Lanning
- Phoebe Litchfield
Vice-Captain Suggestions:
- Annabel Sutherland
- Sophie Day
Players to Avoid in Fantasy:
- Emily Arlott (inconsistent impact)
- Lucy Finn (not guaranteed wickets)
Also Check: Get The Best Fantasy Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team in Today’s Match
Based on form, squad balance, consistency, and tournament momentum, the Melbourne Stars Women enter this clash as the clear favorites. Their batting lineup is significantly stronger, featuring reliable performers like Meg Lanning, Amy Jones, and Annabel Sutherland—all of whom have delivered across multiple games this season. Their ability to control the powerplay and dominate middle overs puts them ahead in this contest. Furthermore, the Stars’ bowling attack has depth and variety, with Sophie Day, Kim Garth, and Sutherland offering consistent breakthroughs.
Sydney Thunder, while talented, lack consistency across their unit. Their top performers—Litchfield, Wilson, and Ismail—have carried much of the burden, and the rest of the squad has struggled to complement these individual efforts. Considering the pressure factor, form guide, and historical trends at Junction Oval, the Stars appear better placed to take home the two points and solidify their playoff position.
Also Check For More: Women’s Cricket Prediction
Melbourne Stars Women T20 History
| Total Matches | Wins | Losses | No Result | Tie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 143 | 56 | 76 | 11 | 0 |
Sydney Thunder Women T20 History
| Total Matches | Wins | Losses | No Result | Tie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 149 | 71 | 66 | 12 | 0 |
Head-to-Head Stats
| Matches | Stars Won | Thunder Won | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | 5 | 12 | 4 |
Sydney Thunder Women have historically dominated this rivalry, winning 12 out of 21 matches. The Stars have won only five. However, the Stars have improved significantly in recent seasons, and form matters more than history heading into this clash.
Also Check: Melbourne Stars Women vs Sydney Thunder Women Head to Head in T20
Pitch Report (Junction Oval)
Junction Oval offers a balanced surface that slightly favors batters in the first innings due to consistent bounce and quick outfield. The pitch generally remains true throughout the match, though spinners might get some grip during the middle overs. Scores around 160–170 are competitive, as stroke-making becomes easier once set. Seamers who hit hard lengths can get movement early in the powerplay, while spinners like Sophie Day will enjoy bowling in the second half. Teams batting first prefer setting a strong target, as chasing under pressure here can be tricky.
Weather Report
Clear skies and warm conditions are expected in Melbourne. Slight breeze but no rain forecast. Ideal conditions for uninterrupted cricket.
Broadcast Details
Live broadcast available on Star Sports Network. Digital streaming via JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar. Match begins at 5:10 AM IST.
Toss Prediction
Teams may choose to bat first given the pitch’s early batting advantage. Thunder likely to bowl; Stars likely to bat first. Toss Winner Prediction: Sydney Thunder Women.
Score Prediction
- If Melbourne Stars Bat First: 133–155
- If Sydney Thunder Bat First: 130–148
Expect a competitive total above 130, depending on early wickets and spin effectiveness.
Probable Best Batsmen & Bowlers
Best Batters
Meg Lanning stands out as the most reliable and explosive batter in this match. Her ability to build early tempo and dominate spin in middle overs makes her a top pick. From the Thunder, Phoebe Litchfield remains the biggest threat, capable of anchoring or accelerating as conditions demand.
Best Bowlers
Sophie Day is projected to be the standout bowler. Her accuracy, drift, and variations suit Junction Oval perfectly. Shabnim Ismail’s pace may cause early trouble for Stars’ top order, making her a key weapon. Kim Garth is another bowler likely to produce breakthroughs.
Also Check For More: Women Big Bash League Prediction
Melbourne Stars Women vs Sydney Thunder Women Match Prediction
The Melbourne Stars Women vs Sydney Thunder Women prediction favours the Stars due to their stronger form, balanced squad, top-order reliability, and superior bowling control. While the Thunder possess individual match-winners, their inconsistency remains a major concern. Unless Thunder produce an extraordinary performance, the Stars should secure a crucial victory.
Final Predicted Winner: Melbourne Stars Women 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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