STA vs SIX Match Prediction: Who Will Win Today’s BBL 14 Match 28 Between Melbourne Stars And Sydney Sixers?

Melbourne Stars to face Sydney Sixers next in BBL 2024-25 [Source: @BBL, @SixersBBL/X.com]

For the 28th fixture of the Big Bash League 2024-25 season, Melbourne Stars will lock horns with Sydney Sixers. The clash will go on floors from 1.45 PM IST on January 9, 2025 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Melbourne Stars

Melbourne Stars have hit absolute rock bottom in the BBL 2024-25 season with two victories in seven games. The team is seated at the bottom of the table, and the playoff race is getting complicated. While captain Marcus Stoinis has been in consistent form, he is not getting the necessary support from his teammates. 

Glenn Maxwell also scored 20* off 10 in the previous game to showcase some form. But from here, they need some miracle to make a good playoff push. Consistency is important because a star name has to come forward and take responsibility.

Sydney Sixers

Meanwhile, the team to beat during this BBL 2024-25 season has been the Sydney Sixers. Having secured four wins out of six, the Sixers are sitting on top of the table. While their previous game was abandoned due to rain, the Sixers lost a rare game to the Hobart Hurricanes in their latest encounter. 

Chasing 162, the Sixers collapsed under pressure, succumbing to 111. They possess all the right equipment, a good mix, and appropriate support to have deep playoff runs. But in the Big Bash League, the situation is highly volatile, and things may shift in an instant. Therefore, the Sixers need to stay with the rhythm going ahead.

---

ALSO READ

[Watch] RCB Fans Panic As Jacob Bethell's Careless Shot Stages His Downfall

---

Stars vs Sixers: Head-to-head record in T20s

How will the MCG pitch behave?

Scoring at Melbourne Cricket Ground will not be easy with wider boundaries. The pitch has already been shown to be friendly to the bowlers, with the average first innings score in the last 10 matches being 147. Here the highest successful chases are 173 runs. 

Thus, it is going to be more likely that the bowlers dominate, and it would play a pivotal role in this match. As for the toss, bowling first is the preferred option, with teams chasing winning 6 of the last 10 T20s at this venue. This season, both matches played have favoured teams bowling first. Expect both sides to rely on their potent bowling lineups to capitalise on early conditions.

Players to watch out for in Stars vs Sixers Match 28

Melbourne Stars

Marcus Stonis: Stoinis, the captain, is the second highest run scorer this BBL season. He has scored 242 runs in seven matches with a strike rate of 128.72. The team will depend much on his leadership and his quick scoring abilities.

Ben Duckett: Ben Duckett is also in pretty good form this year, with 202 runs in five games. Duckett's 156.58 strike rate would be a very important variable going to decide the Stars' chances against the Sixers.

Peter Siddle: Veteran fast bowler Peter Siddle has picked 8 wickets in 6 games this BBL season. With a 7.84 economy, Siddle is crucial to picking quick wickets with the new ball in the upcoming fixture against the Sixers.

Glenn Maxwell: Prolific all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has shown some flair with the bat this season. With the ball, his knack for breaking partnerships with his off-spin adds another dimension. Hence, fans can expect Maxwell to lead from the front with a match-defining performance.

Sydney Sixers

James Vince: James Vince is the highest scorer for Sydney Sixers this year. He has amassed a total of 175 runs across five games with a 145.83 strike rate. Vince is the anchor the Stars need to stabilise the inning at the top order.

Josh Philippe: Phillippe has scored 154 runs for Sydney Sixers in the BBL 2024-25 season. As a dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, Philippe can dismantle bowling attacks with his range of strokes. His ability to find gaps and clear the ropes makes him a key player in setting the tone for the Sixers’ innings.

Ben Dwarshuis: Ben Dwarshuis has taken 10 wickets for the Sixers this season in five games. He is a consistent left-arm pacer who can be very effective when the game is on the line and can swing the ball early.

Todd Murphy: Todd Murphy is another crucial player to watch for the Sixers. In matches where spinners are expected to dominate, Murphy’s variations and subtle changes in pace can dismantle even the most well-set batters.

Today's Match Prediction: Stars vs Sixers Match 28

Predicted Top Performers

Sydney Sixers – James Vince, Ben Dwarshuis, Josh Philippe

Melbourne Stars: Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Peter Siddle

Stars vs Sixers Match 28: Predicted Score

Predicted first innings score: 150-160

Predicted second innings score: 160-165

Predicted Result:  The team batting second will likely have an edge in this match.

---

ALSO READ

[Watch] Jake Fraser-McGurk Removed For A Golden Duck With A Blinder vs Scorchers

---