BBL 7, Match 26: Melbourne Renegades vs Melbourne Stars – Match Predictions

This is time now for the second Melbourne derby of the season as the two teams which are based in the Victorian capital are set to go head to head in what has always been one of the most anticipated encounters of the Big Bash League.

The Renegades and the Stars had taken each other on just 6 days back at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and the stage is now set for the return fixture at the Docklands Stadium. In between this, both the teams have played one game each and have lost.

While the Stars were absolutely thumped by the Adelaide Strikers, the Renegades weren’t able to defend a 180 plus target that they set against the Scorchers.

Here’s what we, at CricTracker predict will be the final result-

Scenario 1: Melbourne Renegades win the toss

Toss Prediction: Renegades decide to bat first

First Innings Prediction: 175-185

Result Prediction: Melbourne Renegades win by 25 runs

Scenario 2: Melbourne Stars win the toss

Toss Prediction: Stars opt to bat first

First Innings Prediction: 150-160

Result Prediction: Melbourne Renegades win by 5 wickets

Head to Head Record

Total Matches Played – 12, Melbourne Renegades won – 4, Melbourne Stars won – 8, No Result/Tied – 0

Melbourne Renegades

The defeat that the Renegades suffered against the Scorchers was only their second defeat in the tournament. They have been very consistent throughout the season and their senior players have led the way as the likes of Aaron Finch and Cameron White have made some key contributions with the bat.

In the bowling department too, it’s the seasoned campaigners who have put their hands up and have come up with big performances. Also, Mohammad Nabi has been an X-factor for them as he has given them the perfect balance in the line-up with his all-round skills.

Predicted XI: Marcus Harris, Dwayne Bravo (C), Tom Cooper, Travis Dean, Matt Short, Mohammad Nabi, Tim Ludeman, Jack Wildermuth, Kane Richardson, Brad Hogg, John Holland

Melbourne Stars

The Stars have suffered one defeat after the other as it has proved to be an absolutely horrific season for them. No prizes for guessing that they are sitting at the bottom-most spot in the points table. They tried to change things around in the last game as they shuffled their batting order and promoted their most in-form player Marcus Stoinis to open the batting, but that move didn’t pay off completely.

Although Stoinis played well and scored 30 odd, he couldn’t go big and as a result, the Stars once again couldn’t get to the kind of score where their bowlers would have the opportunity to put some pressure on the opposition. Their batting needs to step up to the plate if they have to turn the tables.

Predicted XI: Ben Dunk, Luke Wright, Kevin Pietersen, Glenn Maxwell, Rob Quiney, James Faulkner, John Hastings (C), Liam Bowe, Michael Beer, Jack Coleman, Seb Gotch