HUR vs STA Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match? BBL 2020-21, Match 23

Hobart Hurricanes have 15 points in their kitty and are placed third in the points table. However, in their last two matches against the Brisbane Heat at The Gabba, they didn’t have a great time with the bat, though their bowlers have stepped up and delivered.

They are next scheduled to lock horns with Glenn Maxwell’s Melbourne Stars on Saturday, January 2 at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart. Prior to the game, they have roped in Nepal leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane. As far as the Stars are concerned, they have had a topsy turvy run and are winless in the last three games.

Placed fifth on the table, Maxwell’s men would be looking to make a comeback. Going into the game, the Stars can take heart from the fact that they have beaten the Hurricanes in three out of four games in Hobart.

Pitch and Conditions

The pitch at the Bellerive Oval has been an excellent one for batting. The batters have been able to play their shots on the up. But the teams batting second have had their challenges in the tournament.

Hence, winning the toss and batting first should be the way forward for the teams. The playing conditions will be cloudy with the temperature around the 21 degrees Celsius mark.

Average first-innings score

170 (6 unaffected matches in BBL 2020-21)

Record of the chasing teams

Won – 2; Lost – 4

Playing Combinations for HUR vs STA

Hobart Hurricanes

D’Arcy Short, Ben McDermott (wk), Dawid Malan, Peter Handscomb (C), Colin Ingram, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Wil Parker, Scott Boland, Riley Meredith, Sandeep Lamichhane

Bench– Johan Botha, David Moody, Mitchell Owen, Charlie Wakim, Nick Winter, Macalister Wright

Melbourne Stars

Andre Fletcher, Marcus Stoinis, Hilton Cartwright, Glenn Maxwell (C), Nicholas Pooran (WK), Nic Maddinson, Ben Dunk, Adam Zampa, Liam Hatcher, Billy Stanlake, Zahir Khan

Bench– Nick Larkin, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Tom O’Connell, Seb Gotch, Clint Hinchcliffe, Jonathan Merlo, Lance Morris

Probable Top Performers for HUR vs STA

Dawid Malan– Hobart Hurricanes

Dawid Malan is a prolific run-scorer in the T20 format, having weaved magic all around the world. In the BBL, he is plying his trade for the Hurricanes. In the two games, he had scores of 15 and 39.

The southpaw has threatened to take the game away, but he would want a big knock under his belt. The pitch in Hobart is conducive for batting to a large extent and Malan will be looking to cash in big time.

Marcus Stoinis– Melbourne Stars

Marcus Stoinis has been a stalwart for the Stars for quite a few seasons. But he hasn’t quite hit his straps this season. Barring the knock of 61, he hasn’t had the best of times with the bat in hand.

In four innings, the right-hander has a tally of 92 runs at an average and strike-rate of 23 and 161.40 respectively. He will be looking to get a few handy scores. Stoinis is yet to bowl an over in the event.

Broadcast Details

Match timings – 05:05 PM local time, 11:35 PM IST

TV – Sony Ten Network

Live Streaming – Sony LIV

The prediction is for Melbourne Stars to win the match.

Disclaimer: This prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.