MLR vs HBH Match Prediction: Who Will Win Today's BBL 14 Match 5 Between Renegades vs Hurricanes?

Melbourne Renegades to face Hobart Hurricanes next in BBL [Source: @RenegadesBBL, @HurricanesBBL/X.com]

For the 5th fixture of the Big Bash League 2024-25 season, Melbourne Renegades will clash with Hobart Hurricanes on December 19. The matchup will be held at Simonds Stadium in Geelong from 1.45 PM IST.

Melbourne Renegades

Melbourne Renegades lost their opening fixture of the BBL 14 edition to Sydney Sixers in a high-scoring game. The Renegades failed to defend 172 runs as Seifert and Sutherland played quick knocks to seal a 5 wicket victory. Meanwhile, for the upcoming clash, the team will welcome Jacob Bethell, the 21-year-old English all-rounder. He will join the team after England's Test series win over New Zealand. He will replace overseas player Hassan Khan.

Hobart Hurricanes

Hobart Hurricanes, meanwhile, will be playing their first contest of the BBL 14 edition. Shai Hope and Waqar Salamkheil are in line for their Hurricanes debuts. Marcus Bean, a local replacement player, also joins the squad. While Chris Jordan returns for his second season, Iain Carlisle has been sidelined due to a back injury. Moreover, since Mac Wright continues his recovery from an ACL injury, he is expected to return in the new year. The Hurricanes couldn't qualify for playoffs last year and will seek redemption.

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MLR vs HBH: Head-to-head records

How will the Simonds Stadium pitch behave?

The surface typically starts out firm, providing a good pace and bounce, making it favorable for stroke-making in the early overs. Batters who get set can accelerate, especially with shorter square boundaries aiding in power hitting. However, scoring may become tricky as the match progresses due to the pitch slowing down slightly.

The average first-innings score at this venue in T20s is around 150-160, but teams with deep batting can push the total past 180. In addition, in the 8 T20 matches played here, teams that batted first have done better, winning on five occasions. So, teams winning the toss may opt to bat first.

MLR vs HBH: Players to watch out for

Melbourne Renegades

Tim Seifert: Tim Seifert could shine as the top performer with the bat against Hobart Hurricanes. The right-hander impressed in the last game against Sydney Sixers, crafting a valuable half-century. Seifert's aggressive yet composed batting approach makes him a key player.

Jake Fraser-McGurk: Jake Fraser-McGurk has given some indications of promise with a 21 off 12 balls in the first game. This opener has been a solid performer and was brilliant throughout the last season when he tallied 257 runs for the Renegades.

Tom Rogers: Despite a modest start to this season, Tom Rogers remains a vital figure in Melbourne Renegades' bowling lineup. Rogers was one of the standout bowlers in the previous season, delivering impactful spells when it mattered the most.

Will Sutherland: Captain Will Sutherland played a crucial inning of 36 off 28 balls against Sixers. He can contribute both with the bat and ball. With the ball, he brings versatility, using his variations. And as a lower-order batter, Sutherland is equally dangerous, capable of finishing innings with powerful hitting. 

Hobart Hurricanes

Nathan Ellis: Hobart Hurricanes' Nathan Ellis is poised to be the standout bowler in the clash against Melbourne Renegades. Ellis was the leading wicket-taker for his side in the previous season, scalping 12 wickets in 10 matches. 

Ben McDermott: Ben McDermott is one of the most consistent Hobart Hurricanes batsmen to date. Last season, McDermott had scored a total of 261 runs and was Hobart Hurricanes' highest run scorer.

Tim David: Tim David is an aggressive power hitter who is rated as one of the most dangerous in T20 cricket. With proven consistency and versatility, it has the kind of player that gives it reliability with a bat, especially while going under pressure.

Chris Jordan: Chris Jordan is a seasoned T20 campaigner known for his superb skills in death bowling as well as athletic fielding. He is capable of delivering pinpoint yorkers as well as variations, making him one of the first choices bowlers in difficult situations. Not a slouch with the bat, Jordan can also contribute to death overs.

Today's Match Prediction: MLR vs HBH

Predicted Top Performers

Melbourne Renegades – Jake Fraser-McGurk, Will Sutherland, Tim Seifert 

Hobart Hurricanes – Nathan Ellis, Tim David, Chris Jordan

MLR vs HBH: Predicted Score

Predicted first innings score: 170-190

Predicted second innings score: 140-160

Predicted Result: Team batting first might have an advantage in this match.

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