Match 14 of the Big Bash League 2025-26 will feature an exciting contest between table-toppers Melbourne Stars and the former champions Sydney Thunder. The match will be played at Manuka Oval on Sunday afternoon.
Melbourne Stars are flying high with three straight wins, while Sydney Thunder are coming into this match after registering their first win of the season. Both teams will look to build momentum as the tournament moves forward.
Match Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Tournament | Big Bash League 2025-26 |
| Match | Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder (Match 14) |
| Date | Sunday, 28 December 2025 |
| Time | 1:45 PM IST |
| Venue | Manuka Oval, Canberra |
Match Preview
Melbourne Stars – Team Form
Melbourne Stars have made a perfect start to the season with three wins from three matches. They are currently sitting at the top of the points table with six points.
In the last game, Sam Harper smashed a brilliant century against Sydney Sixers, while bowlers like Haris Rauf, Tom Curran, and Peter Siddle have been excellent with the ball. Captain Marcus Stoinis has also contributed in key moments.
Sydney Thunder – Team Form
Sydney Thunder finally got their first win of the season after defeating Brisbane Heat. Openers Sam Konstas and Matthew Gilkes scored half-centuries and gave the team a strong start.
However, Thunder still need more contribution from their middle order. Players like David Warner, Daniel Sams, and Shadab Khan will have to step up against a strong Stars lineup.
Head-to-Head Record
| Team | Matches Won |
|---|---|
| Melbourne Stars | 10 |
| Sydney Thunder | 12 |
| No Result | 0 |
Recent Form (Last 5 Matches)
| Team | Last 5 Results |
|---|---|
| Melbourne Stars | W, L, W, W, W |
| Sydney Thunder | W, L, L, L, W |
Pitch & Weather Report – Manuka Oval
Weather Update
- Temperature: 20–22°C
- Humidity: 35–40%
- Rain Chance: 0% (clear conditions)
Pitch Report
- Batting-friendly surface
- Fast bowlers get help early
- Batting first or second both possible
Chasing Record
| Record | Stats |
|---|---|
| Winning Percentage | 41% |
| Advantage | Balanced |
Manuka Oval – T20 Ground Stats
| Stat | Record |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 22 |
| Batting First Wins | 10 |
| Batting Second Wins | 9 |
| Tie/No Result | 3 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 148 |
| Highest Score | 195/3 |
| Lowest Score | 82 all out |
Predicted Playing XI
Melbourne Stars
- Joe Clarke
- Sam Harper (WK)
- Campbell Kellaway
- Jonathan Merlo
- Glenn Maxwell
- Tom Curran
- Marcus Stoinis (C)
- Hilton Cartwright
- Mitchell Swepson
- Haris Rauf
- Peter Siddle
Sydney Thunder
- Sam Konstas
- Matthew Gilkes
- Sam Billings (WK)
- David Warner (C)
- Daniel Sams
- Chris Green
- Cameron Bancroft
- Shadab Khan
- Nathan McAndrew
- Tanveer Sangha
- Reece Topley
Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips
Small League – Safe Picks
Captain / Vice-Captain Options
- Sam Harper
- Matthew Gilkes
- Haris Rauf
- Sam Konstas
These players are in good form and offer safe fantasy points.
Grand League – Differential Picks
Captain / Vice-Captain Options
- Marcus Stoinis
- Tom Curran
- Shadab Khan
- Daniel Sams
Good high-risk options for grand league teams.
Match Prediction – Who Will Win?
Sydney Thunder showed improvement in their last match, but they are still over-dependent on their top order. Against a well-balanced and in-form Stars side, this could be a big challenge.
Melbourne Stars have match-winners in both batting and bowling and look more settled as a unit.
Predicted Winner: Melbourne Stars
Injury Update
| Team | Injury Status |
|---|---|
| Sydney Thunder | No injury concerns |
| Melbourne Stars | No injury concerns |
Disclaimer
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