Big Bash League 2025/26: BBL|15 Match 18 – Melbourne Renegades vs Sydney Sixers

Match Preview – January 1, 2026

Date: Thursday, January 1, 2026
Venue: Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
Time: 05:00 AM GMT | 10:30 AM IST | 04:00 PM (Local)
Format: T20 (20 overs per side)
Tournament: Big Bash League 2025/26
Match: BBL|15 Match 18

Match Overview

The 18th match of the 2025/26 Big Bash League season promises an exciting clash between the Melbourne Renegades and Sydney Sixers at the Docklands Stadium, Melbourne, on January 1, 2026. This match is not only a battle for points but also a chance for both teams to reset their form and climb the table.

Recent Form

• Melbourne Renegades: After a promising start with a win, the Renegades have struggled in their last few games, including a recent 4-wicket loss to the Hobart Hurricanes. Their top-order batters like Tim Seifert and Ollie Peake have been in good form, and their spin duo of Adam Zampa and Gurinder Sandhu has been effective with the ball. However, the middle order has shown inconsistency, and the bowlers have been under pressure in recent outings.

• Sydney Sixers: The Sixers are also in a tricky phase, having won just one of their last four matches. Their top order, led by Josh Philippe and Daniel Hughes, has been the saving grace, while Jack Edwards and Joel Davies have been the standout performers with the ball. However, the team has struggled with consistency, and their lower order often falters in tight chases.

Head-to-Head (Last 5 Matches)

• Sydney Sixers have dominated the recent encounters, winning all 5 matches in this head-to-head series.
• The Renegades will be eager to end the Sixers' winning streak and gain confidence in the coming fixtures.

Key Players to Watch

Melbourne Renegades

• Tim Seifert: The captain and top run-scorer for the Renegades, Seifert has been a consistent performer with the bat.
• Ollie Peake: Explosive middle-order batter with the ability to accelerate the innings.
• Jason Behrendorff: One of the most effective all-rounders in the competition, Behrendorff is a key bowler and useful lower-order batter.
• Adam Zampa: The leg-spinner is the backbone of the Renegades' spin attack and has been economical in recent games.

Sydney Sixers

• Josh Philippe: The Sixers' leading run-scorer, Philippe is a match-winner with his ability to score quickly.
• Daniel Hughes: A reliable middle-order batter who can anchor the innings and take on spinners.
• Jack Edwards: The Sixers' premier fast bowler, Edwards has taken key wickets in crucial moments.
• Joel Davies: A wicket-taking left-arm seamer, Davies is a key bowler in the middle overs.

Pitch & Weather Report – Docklands Stadium

• Pitch Condition: Steady for pacers, average for batters, and moderate for spinners.
• Batting Condition: Average
• Pace Bowling Condition: Average
• Spin Bowling Condition: Average
• Par Score:
  • Low: 140
  • Medium: 160
  • High: 180

The pitch at Docklands is generally a balanced one, with a slight edge to batters if the game is played in the early afternoon. The weather is expected to be clear, with minimal chances of any disruptions.

Probable Playing XIs

Melbourne Renegades

1. Josh Brown
2. Tim Seifert
3. Mohammad Rizwan
4. Jake FraserMcGurk
5. Ollie Peake
6. Hassan Khan
7. Will Sutherland
8. Gurinder Sandhu
9. Andrew Tye
10. Adam Zampa
11. Jason Behrendorff

Sydney Sixers

1. Josh Philippe
2. Daniel Hughes
3. Babar Azam
4. Moises Henriques
5. Jordan Silk
6. Jack Edwards
7. Ben Dwarshuis
8. Ben Manenti
9. Joel Davies
10. Kane Richardson
11. Sean Abbott

Match Prediction

While the Sixers have been dominant in the recent head-to-head, the Renegades will be confident with their current form and the home advantage. If Tim Seifert and Ollie Peake can get a solid start, and Jason Behrendorff and Adam Zampa can restrict the Sixers' batters, the Renegades could pull off a surprise win.

Prediction: Melbourne Renegades to win, but Sydney Sixers remain favorites based on recent form and history.

Where to Watch

• Live Streaming (India): JioCinema / MyFinal11
• Live TV (India): Star Sports Network
• Live Score & Commentary: MyFinal11, Cricbuzz, ESPNcricinfo

Fantasy Cricket Tips

• Captaincy (Small League): Tim Seifert, Josh Philippe
• Vice-Captaincy (Small League): Ollie Peake, Daniel Hughes
• Wicket-keeper Option: Mohammad Rizwan
• Bowler Picks: Jason Behrendorff, Jack Edwards, Joel Davies

Conclusion

This match will be a battle of consistency versus experience. The Sixers will look to continue their dominance, but the Renegades have the home crowd and a strong batting lineup to challenge them. The toss could be crucial, as the team winning it might decide to bat first and set a high score on a par-friendly pitch.

Exciting match ahead!
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