BBL 2018-19, 1st Semi-Final, Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars, Match Prediction – Weather Report, Pitch Conditions, Playing XIs and Live Streaming Details

As far as the round-robin stage of this edition’s Big Bash League (BBL) was concerned, Hobart Hurricanes turned out to be the most formidable team with 10 victories from 14 matches. Subsequently, the Matthew Wade-captained team finished atop the points table with 20 points. The table-toppers are next scheduled to play Hobart Hurricanes in the first semi-final at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart.

Previously, the Hurricanes thumped the Stars in a couple of games, one of which was at the very venue. The Stars, captained by Glenn Maxwell, huffed and puffed, but managed to sneak through to the knockouts, emerging triumphant in their must-win game against Sydney Sixers at Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Hurricanes would want to bounce back from the loss against Sydney Thunder in Canberra.

Pitch and Conditions

Five matches were played at the venue in this BBL out of which four were won by the team batting second. The pitch has been fairly good for batting and the bowlers have had their difficulties. It won’t be much of a surprise if the teams opt to field after winning the toss.

Team Combination

Hobart Hurricanes

James Faulkner, who replaced Tom Rogers in the squad, may replace David Moody in the playing eleven from the last match. It goes without saying that Wade and Short would need to fire and lay the platform. The middle-order is a decent one as well with the likes of McDermott, Bailey, and Jewell in the ranks. The bowling department has Ahmed, Meredith, Qais Ahmed, and Rose.

Probable XI

Matthew Wade (C & WK), D’Arcy Short, Caleb Jewell, Ben McDermott, George Bailey, Simon Milenko, Jofra Archer, Clive Rose, Qais Ahmed, David Moody/James Faulkner, Riley Meredith

Melbourne Stars

Nick Larkin is back in the squad, but he may not break into the eleven. Stoinis and Dunk are the openers with keeper Handscomb at number three. A would depend on how Maxwell and Maddinson step up and deliver. Bravo and Gotch need to perform. The onus would also be on the spin-bowling duo of Lamichhane and Zampa to put a lid on the run-scoring. Jackson and Worrall are the pacers.

Probable XI

Marcus Stoinis, Ben Dunk, Peter Handscomb (WK), Glenn Maxwell (C), Nic Maddinson, Dwayne Bravo, Seb Gotch, Jackson Bird, Adam Zampa, Sandeep Lamichhane, Daniel Worrall

Probable Top Performers

D’Arcy Short– Hobart Hurricanes| Marcus Stoinis – Melbourne Stars

Broadcast Details

TV – Sony Six and Sony Six HD

Live Streaming – Sony LIV

Match Timings – 14:00 IST; 07:30 local

The Hobart Hurricanes are predicted to win the match and continue their winning streak in Hobart.

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