BBL 2025-26 Match 5: STA vs HUR head-to-head, pitch report & predicted playing XIs

The Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 season will move ahead with Match 5, in which Melbourne Stars (STA) will play against Hobart Hurricanes (HUR) at the venue of Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Thursday, 18 December. The match will be the first for the Melbourne Stars, while the other one has kicked off with a winning experience.

Melbourne Stars had finished the last season at the fourth position and would be very eager to make a bright start to the season at their home ground. The Stars under the leadership of Marcus Stoinis possess a well-balanced squad with a lot of talent in both batting and bowling.

Hobart Hurricanes, the defending champions, opened their season with an exciting four-wicket win over Sydney Thunder. Chris Jordan played a key role with both bat and ball and was named Player of the Match. The Hurricanes will aim to continue their good form and pick up another important win.

STA vs HUR: Head-to-Head Record (T20s)

Matches Played: 22
Melbourne Stars Won: 14
Hobart Hurricanes Won: 8
No Result / Tied: 0

STA vs HUR: Pitch Report

The MCG generally offers help to bowlers early, especially pacers. As the match goes on, batting becomes easier. Teams chasing have had more success here, but a score of 160 or more can be competitive. Winning the toss and bowling first could be the preferred option.

STA vs HUR: Predicted Playing XIs

Melbourne Stars (STA):

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

Hobart Hurricanes (HUR):

Mitchell Owen, Nikhil Chaudhary, Rehan Ahmed, Ben McDermott, Tim David, Matthew Wade (wk), Chris Jordan, Nathan Ellis (c), Rishad Hossain, Riley Meredith, Billy Stanlake