BBL 2018-19: Match 16, Melbourne Stars vs Melbourne Renegades, Match Prediction – Who will win the match?

Peter Handscomb could provide the Stars with the much-needed impetus in their upcoming game.

Published - 31 Dec 2018, 11:55 IST | Updated - 31 Dec 2018, 11:55 IST

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The New Year’s eve will witness the Melbourne derby in the Big Bash League (BBL). The Stars will be up against the Renegades at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground for the second clash of the day’s doubleheader. This will be the fourth game of the tournament for both these teams and is a true test of their potential.

With four points, the Renegades find themselves in the first half of the points table at the moment. After two terrific games to start off with, they were blown off by the Sydney Sixers in their previous encounter. They would be vying to make a comeback in the upcoming game on their road to recovery.

Conversely, the Melbourne Stars won one out of the three games they’ve played. Their maiden victory of the season came only in their previous encounter against the Sixers. Bolstered by the presence of Peter Handscomb at the top of the order, they sailed across the finishing line quite comfortably. Team Green will hope to carry forward the momentum into the new year derby.

Pitch and Conditions

The big ‘G just hosted the Boxing Day Test between Australia and India. By the looks of it, the track at the venue isn’t a belter and run-making could be tough. Both the games that were played here earlier in the season were low-scoring affairs as well. Hence, it could be no different this time either. The team batting first should look to get a reasonable total rather than aiming for a massive score and ending up with fewer runs. Humidity will be really high for this game and there shouldn’t be any interruptions as per the forecast.

Team Combinations

Melbourne Stars

Team Green might go with an unchanged XI into this game. The batting order looks stronger and much stable with Peter Handscomb at the top. Although the side looks extremely strong on paper, they haven’t been able to replicate the same with their on-field performances. The win in their previous game could just be the kind of propelling force that they require.

Predicted XI: Peter Handscomb (wk), Ben Dunk (wk), Nick Larkin, Glenn Maxwell (c), Marcus Stoinis, Dwayne Bravo, Evan Gulbis, Sandeep Lamichhane, Adam Zampa, Scott Boland, Jackson Coleman.

Melbourne Renegades

The Melbourne Renegades could possibly send Sam Harper back to open the innings. Since the side has got quite a lot of bowling options, they might opt for an additional batter for this game as well – especially after the show against the Sixers. Mohammad Nabi and Dan Christian will hold the key for them yet again.

Predicted XI: Sam Harper, Tim Ludeman (wk), Mackenzie Harvey, Cameron White, Tom Cooper (c), Mohammad Nabi, Daniel Christian, Jack Wildermuth, Cameron Boyce, Kane Richardson, Usman Khan.