STA vs STR Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match? BBL 2020-21, Match 40

Melbourne Stars, the runners-up of the 2020-21 Big Bash League, haven’t had a memorable ongoing season thus far. Having lost five out of their nine matches, Glenn Maxwell and Co are placed at the seventh place in the points table. They started with two wins, but their campaign has fallen apart.

However, all’s not lost as they are set to play their first game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. They are set to lock horns with the Adelaide Strikers on Friday, January 15. In their previous meeting, the Strikers’ thumped the Stars, but this time around, the latter would have home conditions in their favour.

The Strikers, in the meantime, are placed in the middle of the points table with 20 points from 10 matches. Having beaten the Stars last time around, the Strikers would be high on confidence.

Pitch and Conditions

The pitch at the MCG isn’t an absolute belter for batting. But the venue has been a witness to quite a few nail-biting encounters. Since it hasn’t hosted a T20 match for a while, it might be safe to field first and gauge the nature of the strip before batting on it.

There are chances of rain from 4 PM and hence, there could be a delay in start. The temperature will be around 17 degrees Celsius.

Average score

148 (13 T20I matches)

Record of the chasing teams

Won – 7; Lost – 5

Playing Combinations for STA vs STR

Melbourne Stars

Andre Fletcher, Marcus Stoinis, Nick Larkin, Glenn Maxwell (C), Nic Maddinson, Hilton Cartwright, Seb Gotch (WK), Adam Zampa, Clint Hinchcliffe, Liam Hatcher, Haris Rauf

Bench– Zahir Khan, Clint Hinchcliffe, Billy Stanlake, Sam Rainbird

Adelaide Strikers

Matt Renshaw, Phillip Salt, Alex Carey (C and WK), Jonathan Wells, Jake Weatherald, Ryan Gibson, Daniel Worrall, Danny Briggs, Peter Siddle, Wes Agar, Harry Conway

Bench– Harry Nielsen, Cameron Valente, Liam O’Connor, Spencer Johnson, Liam Scott, Matthew Short

Probable Top Performers for STA vs STR

Marcus Stoinis– Melbourne Stars

Marcus Stoinis has been a stalwart for the Stars over the years and he hasn’t flattered to deceive even this time around. Being their leading run-scorer in the 2020-21 BBL, the right-hander has notched 277 runs at an average and strike-rate of 39.57 and 160.11 respectively.

The unbeaten 97 that he got against the Hobart Hurricanes should be giving him a lot of confidence going forward.

Alex Carey– Adelaide Strikers

Alex Carey bats in the middle-order for the Strikers and he has enacted his role with precision. Though he hasn’t played two matches for them, he is their top run-scorer with 279 runs at an average and strike-rate of 34.87 and 122.36 respectively.

He also has two half-centuries to show for his efforts and it goes without saying he has to keep performing for the Strikers to move ahead.

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.