Published on: Dec 17, 2025 4:08 pm IST | Updated on: Dec 17, 2025 4:08 pm IST
The Melbourne Stars are all set for their first outing in the BBL 2025-26 season. They will be hosting the reigning, defending, undisputed champions, Hobart Hurricanes, at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne. The Hurricanes kicked off their title defense with a nervy win over Sydney Thunder at the Sydney Cricket Ground by 4 wickets. The Stars will also look to start their season campaign with a win. In this post, we have come up with free expert tips for the 5th match of BBL 2025-26, MS vs HH, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne.
The Melbourne Stars did make it to the last 4 in the previous edition but got eliminated in the Knockout at the hands of the eventual finalists, Sydney Thunder. Their squad for this season looks great, but it seems like the reigning champions Hobart Hurricanes, have got it going with their title defense. Playing at home should favor the Stars, but the Hurricanes’ recent run makes them a favorite in this game. Therefore, expect the win probability to favor the Hurricanes. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the 5th match of BBL 2025-26, MS vs HH, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne.
HH: 54% win chance MS: 46% win chance
Chaudhary opened the innings for Hurricanes in the last game and ended as the top scorer with 41 off 31. Expect him to be among runs again.
Sam Harper will be batting at the top for the Stars, probably opening the innings. The wicket-keeper batter will be one to watch out for in the Stars' batting lineup.
Despite not getting a big score in the opening game, Tim David remains a force to be reckoned with for the Hurricanes. He has been in top form for Australia in T20Is batting at no 4 and will look to translate the same for Hurricanes as well.
It would be interesting to see where the Stars skipper will bat in this edition of BBL. He has 274 runs to his name in the last 10 T20Is and will be a crucial cog with the ball in hand.
Check out our prediction for the MS vs HH first match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne.
A winning start is what the Melbourne Stars would be eyeing for as they step onto the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground to face the reigning champions, Hobart Hurricanes, in their opening clash of BBL 2025-26. The Hurricanes began their title defense with a tense four-wicket victory over Sydney Thunder, showcasing their resilience under pressure. Now, the Stars will be eager to stamp their authority early in the tournament and set the tone for the season ahead.
Led by Marcus Stoinis, the Stars boast a balanced squad combining explosive batting and varied bowling options. The top order, featuring Sam Harper and Joe Clarke, will look to provide a brisk start, while Glenn Maxwell’s all-round brilliance adds depth and unpredictability in the middle overs. Hilton Cartwright and Campbell Kellaway strengthen the batting core, ensuring stability alongside firepower. In the bowling department, Haris Rauf’s pace, Tom Curran’s versatility, and the experience of Peter Siddle form a formidable attack, complemented by Mitch Swepson’s spin.
With home advantage at the MCG and a well-rounded lineup, the Stars will aim to begin their campaign on a high, knowing that a strong start could be crucial in their quest for BBL glory.
Hobart Hurricanes will be eyeing their second win on the bounce as they gear up to face Melbourne Stars in match 5 of the BBL 2025-26 season at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The defending champions began their campaign with a nervy four-wicket victory over Sydney Thunder at the SCG, showcasing resilience under pressure and the ability to close out tight contests. That win has given them early momentum, and they will now look to build on it against a strong Stars outfit.
The Hurricanes’ batting lineup, packed with power hitters, will aim to deliver more consistency after a shaky start in their opener. Their middle order, in particular, will be expected to step up and provide stability. On the bowling front, the Hurricanes possess a balanced attack capable of exploiting the bounce and pace at the MCG. With their experienced campaigners leading the charge, they will be confident of putting the Stars under pressure.
A second consecutive win would not only strengthen their title defense but also send a strong message to the rest of the competition. The Hurricanes know that early victories are crucial in setting the tone for a long and demanding season. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.
Matches Played: 22 MS won: 14 HH won: 8 No Result: 0 Tied: 0 RECENT form HOBART HURRICANES: W W L L L RECENT form MELBOURNE STARS: W NR W W L
A total of 22 games have been played between Melbourne Stars and Hobart Hurricanes in BBL history. With 14 wins to their name, the Stars have dominated this rivalry. Hurricanes have managed only 8 wins. Even in the last 5 meetings between the two sides, Stars leads the race with 3 wins, whereas Hurricanes have won 2.
How will the two teams, i.e., Hobart Hurricanes and Melbourne Stars, fare in this match of the Big Bash League 2025-26? Let’s take a look.
Mitchell Owen, Nikhil Chaudhary, Ben McDermott, Tim David, Matthew Wade (WK), Rehan Ahmed, Chris Jordan, Nathan Ellis, Rishad Hossain, Riley Meredith, Billy Stanlake
Sam Harper (WK), Joe Clarke, Marcus Stoinis (C), Glenn Maxwell, Hilton Cartwright, Campbell Kellaway, Tom Curran, Haris Rauf, Tom Rogers/Mark Steketee, Mitch Swepson, Peter Siddle
Here’s the pitch and weather report for the 5th match of the Big Bash League 2025 between Hobart Hurricanes and Melbourne Stars at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne:
The wicket at MCG will be fresh. Both teams would be hoping to win the toss and bowl first and assess how the wicket behaves in the first innings. Dew won’t be a factor at this venue; therefore, the wicket will remain the same throughout the 40 overs.
The online live streaming of the 5th match of the Big Bash League 2025 will take place live on the JioHotstar app. The live TV coverage for this series will be available on Star Sports Channels.
Although Melbourne Stars have had the upper hand over Hobart Hurricanes in head-to-head battles in the history of this tournament, Hurricanes, in recent times, have evolved with precision. They are the defending champions and have won their opening game of this season. With momentum by their side, expect yet another win for the reigning champions. Therefore, as per our prediction, the Hobart Hurricanes are expected to win the MS vs HH, Match 5 of the Women’s Big Bash League 2025.
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