Big Bash League 2025/26: Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Stars – Match Preview (26 December 2025)

Match Details

• Teams: Sydney Sixers (SIX) vs Melbourne Stars (STA)
• Tournament: Big Bash League 2025/26
• Date & Time: Friday, 26 December 2025 | 07:05 AM GMT | 12:35 PM IST | 06:05 PM Local
• Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground

Match Context & Form

The Sydney Sixers and Melbourne Stars are set for a high-stakes clash at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground, with both teams eager to strengthen their positions in the Big Bash League 2025/26. The Sixers have shown recent improvement, particularly in the Sydney Derby, where they posted a convincing win. Meanwhile, the Stars come into the match as table-toppers, having won both of their opening fixtures and boasting a formidable net run rate.

Current Form

Sydney Sixers

• Recent Performance: Won against Sydney Thunder by 47 runs; however, their record in the last five matches is 1 win and 4 losses.
• Top Performers:
  • Josh Philippe – 170 runs in 3 innings, averaging 56.66.
  • Jack Edwards – 8 wickets in 3 matches, with a bowling average of 9.37.
  • Kane Richardson – Key all-rounder with recent form and experience from his time with the Adelaide Renegades.
• Strengths: Balanced batting lineup and consistent middle-order contributors.

Melbourne Stars

• Recent Performance: Won against Adelaide Strikers by 6 wickets; on a 4-1 win streak in their last five matches.
• Top Performers:
  • Marcus Stoinis – 94 runs in 2 innings, averaging 177.35; also a key bowler.
  • Haris Rauf – 5 wickets in 2 matches at an average of 12.2.
  • Campbell Kellaway – 69 runs in his debut season, showing great promise.
• Strengths: Explosive batting at the top and a lethal pace attack.

Head-to-Head (Last 5 Matches)

• Sydney Sixers: 3 wins
• Melbourne Stars: 2 wins
• Trend: The Sixers hold a narrow edge in recent encounters, but the Stars are coming in with strong momentum.

Venue & Pitch Report – Sydney Cricket Ground

• Pitch Condition: Fast and bouncy, offering early assistance to seamers.
• Batting Conditions: Average, with a slight advantage to the team batting first.
• Bowling Conditions: Favourable for seam movement and swing; spinners gain as the match progresses.
• Par Score Bands: Low – 140, Medium – 160, High – 180.
• Weather Forecast: Cloudy skies, temperature around 18°C, with a 20% chance of rain. Wind speeds near 10.8 m/s.

Squads

Sydney Sixers (Probable XI)

• Captain: Moises Henriques
• Wicketkeeper: Lachlan Shaw / Josh Philippe
• Batsmen: Daniel Hughes, Jordan Silk, Josh Philippe, Babar Azam
• All-rounders: Jack Edwards, Sam Curran
• Bowlers: Joel Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Kane Richardson, Todd Murphy, Mitchell Starc

Melbourne Stars (Probable XI)

• Captain: Marcus Stoinis
• Wicketkeeper: Joe Clarke / Sam Harper
• Batsmen: Tom Curran, Glenn Maxwell, Campbell Kellaway, Hilton Cartwright
• All-rounders: Marcus Stoinis, Tom Fraser Rogers
• Bowlers: Haris Rauf, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Swepson

Key Players to Watch

Sydney Sixers

• Josh Philippe – The Sixers' most consistent performer with the bat.
• Jack Edwards – Dual threat with both bat and ball; crucial for the Sixers' success.
• Kane Richardson – Provides late-order firepower and valuable all-round support.

Melbourne Stars

• Marcus Stoinis – The glue of the Stars' side; vital in both batting and bowling.
• Haris Rauf – Leading wicket-taker in the tournament so far.
• Campbell Kellaway – Emerging star with the potential to make a big impact.

Match Prediction & Fantasy Insights

• Toss Prediction: Melbourne Stars are expected to win the toss and choose to field first.
• Match Winner Prediction: Sydney Sixers are tipped to edge out the Stars in a tight contest.
• Top Batter: Josh Philippe (Sydney Sixers) and Marcus Stoinis (Melbourne Stars)
• Top Bowler: Jack Edwards (Sydney Sixers) and Haris Rauf (Melbourne Stars)
• Most Sixes: Josh Philippe and Marcus Stoinis
• Player of the Match: Josh Philippe (Sydney Sixers)
• Expected Scores:
  • Sydney Sixers Batting First: 145-155
  • Melbourne Stars Batting First: 140-150

Fantasy Captaincy Picks

• Captain Options:

  • Josh Philippe – High-scoring potential.
  • Jack Edwards – All-rounder with wicket-taking ability.

• Vice-Captain Options:

  • Marcus Stoinis – All-round impact.
  • Campbell Kellaway – Differential pick with high upside.

Conclusion

The Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Stars clash promises to be an electrifying encounter at the Sydney Cricket Ground. With both teams in good form and key players in top condition, the match is expected to be a thrilling contest. The toss could play a crucial role, but if the Sixers can post a competitive total and maintain their recent momentum, they could come out on top. However, the Stars’ explosive batting and lethal bowling line-up make them a dangerous opponent.

Live Streaming & Broadcast

• Live Streaming (India): JioHotstar app/website
• TV Channels (India): Star Sports Network
• Live Score & Updates: MyFinal11.in, JioHotstar, and official BBL websites

Final Score Prediction: Sydney Sixers 150/6 vs Melbourne Stars 148/8
Winner: Sydney Sixers
Man of the Match: Josh Philippe
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