Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Renegades: Match 15 Preview – BBL 2025/26

Date: Monday, 29th December 2025
Venue: Bellerive Oval, Hobart
Match Time: 08:15 AM GMT | 01:45 PM IST | 03:45 PM AEDT

Match Overview

The Hobart Hurricanes and Melbourne Renegades clash in Match 15 of the 2025/26 Big Bash League season at Bellerive Oval. With the Hurricanes sitting second on the table and the Renegades languishing at the bottom, this encounter promises high stakes and competitive cricket.

The Hurricanes, led by Nathan Ellis, have found their rhythm with a win in three of their last four games. Meanwhile, the Renegades, despite an early win, have struggled to maintain consistency and will look to break their losing streak.

Form Guide

Hobart Hurricanes

The Hurricanes have been in excellent form, securing three wins from four matches. Their balanced squad features explosive batters like Mitchell Owen and Ben McDermott, alongside world-class spin and pace bowling. Rishad Hossain and Riley Meredith have been instrumental in their recent victories.

• Points in Last 5 Matches: 6 (3 wins, 2 losses)
• Top Runscorers: Ben McDermott (165 runs @ 55.0), Nikhil Chaudhary (161 runs)
• Top Wicket-Takers: Rishad Hossain (6 wickets @ 17.5), Chris Jordan (6 wickets @ 21.5)

Melbourne Renegades

The Renegades have endured a rocky run, losing four of their last five games. Despite a strong start to the season, they have struggled to maintain momentum. Tim Seifert has been their standout performer with the bat, while Jason Behrendorff has been a reliable wicket-taker.

• Points in Last 5 Matches: 3 (2 wins, 3 losses)
• Top Runscorers: Tim Seifert (136 runs @ 68.0), Ollie Peake (71 runs)
• Top Wicket-Takers: Jason Behrendorff (4 wickets @ 17.25), Will Sutherland (3 wickets)

Head-to-Head Record

The Hurricanes have historically held the upper hand in this rivalry, winning 13 of the 22 matches played so far. Their recent dominance includes a 4-1 win record in their last five meetings.

Venue Insights – Bellerive Oval

Bellerive Oval has been a consistent performer in the BBL, offering a fair balance between bat and ball. Recent matches have seen a gradual increase in scores:

• Average First Innings Score (2022–2025):

  • 2022: 142.18
  • 2023: 160.17
  • 2024: 160.40
  • 2025: 173.25

• Win Percentage:

  • Batting First: 34.5%
  • Batting Second: 65.5%

The pitch typically offers assistance to fast bowlers early, but spinners can gain control in the middle and death overs.

Key Players to Watch

Hobart Hurricanes

• Mitchell Owen: The explosive opener has been in scintillating form, capable of changing the game in the powerplay.
• Ben McDermott: A consistent run-scorer with a strike rate of 132.
• Rishad Hossain: A leg-spinner with a knack for taking crucial wickets.
• Riley Meredith: A reliable death-overs bowler and occasional run-scorer.

Melbourne Renegades

• Tim Seifert: The Renegades' highest run-scorer, with a strike rate of 160.
• Ollie Peake: A young talent with a mature approach and growing influence.
• Jason Behrendorff: A versatile all-rounder who can deliver in both departments.
• Will Sutherland: A left-arm seamer with the ability to break partnerships.

Probable Playing XIs

Hobart Hurricanes

1. Mitchell Owen
2. Tim Ward
3. Nikhil Chaudhary
4. Ben McDermott
5. Tim David
6. Macalister Wright
7. Rehan Ahmed
8. Chris Jordan
9. Nathan Ellis (c)
10. Rishad Hossain
11. Riley Meredith

Melbourne Renegades

1. Josh Brown
2. Tim Seifert
3. Jake Fraser-McGurk
4. Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
5. Oliver Peake
6. Hassan Khan
7. Will Sutherland (c)
8. Fergus O’Neill
9. Gurinder Sandhu
10. Adam Zampa
11. Jason Behrendorff

Weather & Pitch Conditions

• Weather Forecast:

  • Temperature: 15–20°C
  • Humidity: 75%
  • Winds: 8.8 m/s
  • Cloud Cover: Overcast with a chance of early swing.

• Pitch Report:

  • Condition: Average
  • Batting: Fair
  • Bowling: Average for pace and spin

The overcast conditions may assist seamers early, while humidity and cloud cover could benefit spinners in the middle and death overs.

Fantasy Captaincy Picks

• Captain: Ben McDermott (Hobart Hurricanes)

  • Reasoning: Consistent high-scoring form with 49, 69, and 38 in his last three matches. A must-have in any fantasy lineup.

• Vice-Captain: Tim Seifert (Melbourne Renegades)

  • Reasoning: The Renegades' top run-scorer with scores of 34, 102, and 57 in his last three games. A high-risk, high-reward option.

Match Prediction

With the Hurricanes in better form and the home advantage, they are slight favorites to win. However, the Renegades have the talent to spring a surprise, especially if Seifert and Behrendorff deliver.

Prediction: Hobart Hurricanes by 7–8 runs

How to Watch

• Live Streaming: JioHotstar
• TV Broadcast: Star Sports Network
• Live Scores & Commentary: MyFinal11.in

Stay tuned for live updates, ball-by-ball commentary, and in-depth analysis as the action unfolds at Bellerive Oval.