BBL 2025-26: Match 14, STA vs THU Match Prediction – Who will win today’s BBL match between Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder?

1The action moves forward in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26, as the Melbourne Stars (STA) lock horns with the Sydney Thunder (THU) in the Match No. 14 on Sunday, December 28 at the Manuka Oval in Canberra.

The Melbourne Stars have fast-climbed to the No. 1 spot on the points table, after collecting three wins in as many games. With their undefeated run in BBL 2025-26 so far, they have certainly become the team to beat. However, with confidence running high, the Melbourne-based side would be banking on their form to collect their fourth-straight win.

On the other hand, the David Warner-led Sydney Thunder have looked a little off colour in the tournament so far. Their three matches of the season have resulted in only a single win, while also carrying a negative net run-rate (NRR) of -0.258. The side will look to stage a comeback into the competition to reach four points after defeating the Stars.

Match Details

Manuka Oval, Canberra — Pitch Report

The Manuka Oval in Canberra is known for carrying a surface that gets better to bat as the match progresses. In the 30 BBL matches played here, a convincing 57.3 per cent have been won by the teams batting second, which recommends that chasing is going to be relatively easier at this venue. However, any total above the range of 180-190 will give a tough challenge to the chasing team.

STA vs THU — Head-to-Head Record in T20s

STA vs THU — Predicted Playing 11s

Melbourne Stars

Joe Clarke, Sam Harper(w), Campbell Kellaway, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis(c), Hilton Cartwright, Tom Curran, Jonathan Merlo, Mitchell Swepson, Haris Rauf, Peter Siddle

Sydney Thunder

Sam Konstas, Matthew Gilkes, David Warner(c), Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings(w), Shadab Khan, Daniel Sams, Chris Green, Nathan McAndrew, Tanveer Sangha, Reece Topley

STA vs THU — Probable Best Performers

Probable Best Batter: Matthew Gilkes

Matthew Gilkes was given the preference to open despite experienced David Warner being available to do the job alongside Sam Konstas, and the former has done full justice to the faith shown in him. In just three innings, Gilkes has struck 108 runs, including a match-winning 59 in the previous match. The opening batter will want to continue his form and guide the Thunder to yet another win tonight.

Probable Best Bowler: Peter Siddle

Age is just a number, and the case holds pretty much true for the 41-year-old Peter Siddle. He is not only bowling, but is carrying the weight of the bowling attack on his shoulders, picking seven wickets in three games. Siddle is also clocking a serious pace around 140 kph, which makes him a dangerous prospect, after more than half a decade of saying goodbye to internationals. He is expected to shine in this match.

Today Match Prediction: Chasing team to win the match