STA vs REN Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match? BBL 2020-21, Match 42

Melbourne Renegades are in absolute disarray in the ongoing edition of the BBL. They started the tournament with a seven-wicket victory, but from then, they haven’t had much to cheer for. With a net run rate of -2.349, Aaron Finch and Co need a miracle to qualify for the next round.

Their next match is against the Melbourne Stars on Sunday, January 17 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. On head-to-head count, the Stars are leading the Renegades by 13-5. At the MCG, the Stars have a 6-3 record in their favour.

They are hanging midway in the points table with 20 points from 10 matches. They also won’t be having the services of Haris Rauf, who has been picked for Pakistan’s home Tests against South Africa. In their previous game, Stars beat the Adelaide Strikers by 111 runs.

Pitch and Conditions

The pitch at the MCG wasn’t an absolute belter to bat on, but despite its slow nature, the Stars managed 179 runs. If a batsman gets his eyes in, bowlers might face the heat.

Batting first should be the way forward as the track might not get better. The temperature will be around 19 degrees Celsius with the humidity in the high-50s. The sun will be out with no chances of rain whatsoever.

Average first-innings score

179 (1 completed T20 match in BBL 2020-21)

Record of the chasing teams

Won – 0; Lost – 1

Playing Combinations for STA vs REN

Melbourne Stars

Andre Fletcher, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell (C), Hilton Cartwright, Nick Larkin, Nic Maddinson, Seb Gotch, Adam Zampa, Liam Hatcher, Billy Stanlake, Zahir Khan

Bench– Sam Rainbird, Edward J Newman, Clint Hinchcliffe, Tom O’Connell, Jackson Coleman

Melbourne Renegades

Mackenzie Harvey, Shaun Marsh, Sam Harper (WK), Aaron Finch (C), Jake Fraser-McGurk, Beau Webster, Jack Prestwidge, Imad Wasim, Kane Richardson, Peter Hatzoglou, Noor Ahmad

Bench– Will Sutherland, Brayden Stepien, Mohammad Nabi, Brody Couch, Zak Evans, Jon Holland, Josh Lalor, Mitchell Perry

Probable Top Performers for STA vs REN

Marcus Stoinis– Melbourne Stars

Marcus Stoinis didn’t have the best of times in the previous game. He played at under a run-a-ball and looked out of sorts against the Strikers. But keeping in mind the quality he possesses, he can make a comeback.

In nine matches, the right-hander has notched 290 runs at an average and strike-rate of 36.25 and 145.72 respectively. The Stars would be hoping for their premier batter to fire on all cylinders.

Shaun Marsh– Melbourne Renegades

Shaun Marsh has been the only shining light for the Renegades in their dismal campaign thus far. Even as the rest of the batters have looked inconsistent, Marsh has looked far better than the others.

In eight matches, he has scored 247 runs at an average and strike-rate of 30.87 and 136.46 respectively. With three fifties, the veteran can’t afford to drop his guard by any stretch of the imagination.

Broadcast Details

Match timings – 07:15 PM local time, 01:45 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.