The Melbourne derby lights up the MCG as the high-flying Melbourne Stars take on the struggling Melbourne Renegades in Match 22 of the BBL 2025-26. The Stars, despite a recent loss, are perched at the top with four wins, showcasing a balanced and dominant side. The Renegades, languishing near the bottom with just one win, are in desperate need of a turnaround. With the Stars having won both encounters this season, they enter as firm favorites in this high-stakes local rivalry.
Melbourne Stars vs Melbourne Renegades Win Probability
MS vs MR Batting Tips
Melbourne Stars vs Melbourne Renegades, 22nd Match Details
| Match | Big Bash League 2025-26, Match 22 |
| Date | Sunday, 04 January 2026 |
| Time | 12:35 PM IST | 6:05 PM LOCAL |
| Venue | Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) |
| Live Streaming (TV) | Sony Sports Network |
| Live Streaming (Mobile) | JioHotstar |
MS vs MR Match Prediction & Analysis (Who Will Win?)
The Melbourne Stars are strong favorites to win the Melbourne derby. Their overall form, squad balance, and psychological edge from two victories over the Renegades this season give them a significant advantage. The Renegades have shown flashes of individual brilliance but have consistently failed to deliver as a cohesive unit, especially with the ball. The Stars’ potent bowling attack, led by Haris Rauf and Peter Siddle, is likely to be the difference-maker against an inconsistent Renegades batting lineup.
MS vs MR Head to Head (Last 6)
| MS Won | 03 |
| MR Won | 03 |
| Draw/No Result | 00 |
MS vs MR Teams Preview (Top Players to Watch)
Melbourne Stars
The Stars are a formidable unit with contributions from all departments. Sam Harper has been in sensational form at the top, providing explosive starts. The middle order boasts the power of Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell. Their bowling is their crown jewel, with the pace duo of Haris Rauf and Peter Siddle taking wickets consistently, making them hard to score against in any phase.
MS Probable Playing XI-
Thomas Fraser Rogers, Sam Harper (WK), Campbell Kellaway, Blake Macdonald, Marcus Stoinis (C), Glenn Maxwell, Hilton Cartwright, Tom Curran, Mitchell Swepson, Haris Rauf, Peter Siddle.
Top Player to watch on- Haris Rauf & Sam Harper.
Melbourne Renegades
The Renegades’ hopes rest on their top order firing. Tim Seifert has been their most consistent batter and needs support from the explosive Jake Fraser-McGurk and the experienced Mohammad Rizwan. Their bowling has been a major concern, with only Jason Behrendorff showing some consistency. They need a collective, disciplined effort with the ball to contain the powerful Stars batting.
MR Probable Playing XI-
Josh Brown, Tim Seifert, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Jake Fraser-McGurk, Oliver Peake, Matthew Spoors, Hassan Khan, Will Sutherland (C), Andrew Tye, Gurinder Sandhu, Jason Behrendorff.
Top Player to watch on- Tim Seifert & Jake Fraser-McGurk.
MS vs MR Weather & Pitch Report
The pitch at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is large and traditionally offers a balanced contest. The sheer size of the ground makes clearing the boundaries difficult, rewarding smart cricket and running between the wickets. The surface can offer some early assistance to pace bowlers. The average first-innings score is in the mid-150s to 160s, with 170 being a competitive total. Chasing has often been the preferred strategy here.
The weather in Melbourne is expected to be hot and humid, but with no rain threat, ensuring a full match.
MS vs MR Fantasy Teams
- Wicket-keeper: Sam Harper (MLS), Tim Seifert (MR)
- Batter: Marcus Stoinis (MS), Glenn Maxwell (MS), Jake Fraser-McGurk (MR)
- All-rounder: Hilton Cartwright (MS), Will Sutherland (MR)
- Bowler: Haris Rauf (MS), Peter Siddle (MS), Jason Behrendorff (MR), Gurinder Sandhu (MR)
Pro Tip: Always check your fantasy team after the playing 11 is announced. It usually happens about half an hour before the match starts. So, after 12:05 PM (IST), review the playing 11 and compare it with your fantasy team to make sure everything matches.
Disclaimer: These predictions and fantasy tips are based on analysis, research, and the author’s understanding of the game. They are meant for entertainment purposes only. Note: Fantasy gaming should be engaged with responsibly and for fun. We do not endorse or participate in any illegal activities, including real-money gaming that violates Indian law, such as the new Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. We are not responsible for any financial loss.
