WPL 2026

Result

BBLT20

Melbourne Stars

Sydney Thunder

132/1 in 14.0

128/10 in 20.0

Melbourne Stars beat Sydney Thunder by 9 wickets

Dec 28, 202508:15 AM• 14th MatchManuka Oval - Griffith, Australia

Melbourne Stars beat Sydney Thunder by 9 wickets

MS vs ST Match Prediction : 14th Match, Big Bash League, 2025-2026

MS vs ST Win Probability

100%

Sydney Thunder

Sydney Thunder To Win, 2.20

The Sydney Thunder completed the double over the Stars last season, winning both home and away fixtures.

After a slow start, the Thunder has found its groove, coming off a confidence-boosting win against the Brisbane Heat.

The Stars won their previous match but we think they still have some serious issues with their top order to solve

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Place Bet ā–ŗ odds 2.20

MS vs ST Betting Tips

Sydney Thunder not to have a dismissal in the first over

The Thunder’s batting lineup has been resilient at the top, posting two scores of 180 or more this season largely due to solid starts. The surface at Manuka offers true bounce, making it difficult for bowlers to threaten the stumps early. Backing the openers to survive the first six balls is a low-risk, high-probability selection.

otal runs in the match to be over 310.5 runs

This market offers exceptional value given the batting-friendly characteristics of Manuka Oval. History suggests a high-scoring affair; the last time these two sides met in Canberra, the match produced a staggering 346 runs. With both teams boasting top-orders that have found their rhythm recently, backing a run-fest is a logical play.

Team form (Last 5 matches)

Melbourne Stars

W
W
W
L
W

Sydney Thunder

W
L
L
L
L

After a few early season hiccups, the Sydney Thunder appears to be back on track. Led by the aggressive David Warner, they have the firepower to dismantle a Stars lineup that is currently lacking confidence.

Also Check: Today's Cricket Betting Rates

Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder Head-to-Head Record

The Sydney Thunder has established complete dominance over the Melbourne Stars in recent years. The Thunder has wonĀ five consecutive matchesĀ against the Stars, a psychological edge that cannot be ignored.

Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder Live-streaming and Broadcast

In Australia, the Big Bash League is broadcast onĀ Channel 7Ā andĀ Fox Cricket, with live streaming options available throughĀ Kayo Sports,Ā Foxtel Go, andĀ 7plus.​

For viewers in the Indian subcontinent, coverage inĀ IndiaĀ is available on theĀ Star Sports NetworkĀ and streamed viaĀ Disney+ Hotstar. Fans inĀ PakistanĀ can watch the matches onĀ PTV SportsĀ andĀ Ten Sports, while those inĀ BangladeshĀ can also tune in via theĀ Star Sports NetworkĀ feeds.​

In theĀ United Kingdom,Ā Sky Sports CricketĀ holds the exclusive broadcast rights, allowing fans to stream the action live onĀ Sky GoĀ andĀ NOW.

You can find live odds, updated tips after every day's play, and more information about this match at ocbsports.com.

MS vs ST Team Previews

Melbourne Stars

Joe ClarkeĀ has yet to deliver the impact the Melbourne Stars were banking on. The overseas import suffered a duck against the Sydney Sixers and has managed just 43 runs in three innings. WhileĀ Sam HarperĀ smashed a brilliant maiden BBL ton against Sydney, his career average of just over 20 suggests he lacks the consistency required to carry the team alone.

The biggest concern lies in the middle order. The powerhouse duo ofĀ Marcus StoinisĀ andĀ Glenn MaxwellĀ were non-factors in the last game. Maxwell’s form is particularly worrying, with only 2 runs and 1 wicket to his name in three matches.

On the bowling front,Ā Haris RaufĀ brings express pace but remains a high-risk asset; he conceded nearly 40 runs in his last outing.Ā Tom CurranĀ offers some hope with consecutive three-wicket hauls, but the rest of the attack feels patchwork. For the Stars to compete, Curran needs support, and the spinners need to control the middle overs better.

Melbourne Stars Expected Playing 11

Joe Clarke, Sam Harper (wk), Campbell Kellaway, Jonathan Merlo, Tom Curran, Marcus Stoinis (c), Glenn Maxwell, Hilton Cartwright, Mitchell Swepson, Haris Rauf, Peter Siddle

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Sydney Thunder

The Sydney Thunder enters this contest with history on their side and momentum building.Ā Shadab KhanĀ has adapted seamlessly to Australian conditions, contributing 75 runs in two innings and claiming 6 wickets. He forms a lethal spin trio alongside the promisingĀ Tanveer SanghaĀ and the economicalĀ Chris Green.

The pace battery is equally balanced.Ā Daniel SamsĀ remains a threat with his cutters and variations, while the toweringĀ Reece TopleyĀ generates awkward bounce that troubles top-order batters.

The biggest positive for the Thunder is the form of their openers.Ā Sam KonstasĀ andĀ Matthew GilkesĀ both struck half-centuries in the win against Brisbane, alleviating the pressure on the middle order. WithĀ David WarnerĀ coming off his best BBL season in 2024/25 (400+ runs), the batting lineup looks formidable and ready to exploit the Stars' bowling weaknesses.

Sydney Thunder Expected Playing 11

Sam Konstas, Matthew Gilkes, Sam Billings (wk), David Warner (c), Daniel Sams, Chris Green, Cameron Bancroft, Shadab Khan, Nathan McAndrew, Tanveer Sangha, Reece Topley

MS vs ST Toss Prediction

Night games at this venue generally favor the chasing side. Furthermore, the Thunder has won three of their last five encounters against the Stars by bowling first. Expect the captain winning the toss toĀ field first.

Pitch Report and Weather Conditions

Manuka Oval is widely regarded as one of the best batting wickets in the country. The surface offers true pace and consistent bounce, allowing batters to trust their shots and play through the line. Fast bowlers might find some swing with the new ball, but once the shine wears off, it is hard work.

The average first innings total here is 167, but given the firepower on display, a winning total will likely need to exceedĀ 180 runs. The weather forecast is perfect—warm conditions, moderate humidity, and a slight breeze with no chance of rain.

MS vs ST: Who Will Win?

While the Melbourne Stars have the advantage of playing on home territory, their current form is disjointed and reliant on individual brilliance rather than team cohesion. In contrast, the Sydney Thunder is a unit on the rise, possessing a superior head-to-head record and a balanced attack. Given they were last year's runners-up and have rediscovered their winning touch, the value lies with the visitors.

Bet on Sydney Thunder to win.

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Sydney Thunder To Win, 2.20

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Place Bet ā–ŗ odds 2.20