Dive into Friday’s Melbourne Derby as the Renegades gear up to host the Stars at Melbourne’s iconic Docklands Stadium in an electrifying Big Bash encounter.
This season, the two Melbourne teams have had very different journeys. Unfortunately, the Stars, the green half of the city, look set to miss the semi-finals for the first time since the tournament began.
Meanwhile, the Renegades are sitting comfortably in third place and are eager to make a big push towards the semi-finals with a strong win against their city rivals this Friday.
Renegades vs Stars | Friday 12 January | Docklands Stadium, Melbourne | 10:35
Match Winner Odds
Renegades 67/100 | Tie 35/1 | Stars 5/4
Melbourne Renegades
Losing Aaron Finch to the national team is a tough blow for the Renegades, but the squad boasts plenty of batting talent ready to step up. With Cameron White also called up due to an injury in the ODI squad, the captaincy leadership may see a shuffle. Expect Tim Ludeman and Marcus Harris to open strong.
Coach David Saker will be keen to see his team bounce back after a frustrating loss to the Perth Scorchers, where despite putting up a strong 185, they fell short. Ashton Turner’s stunning 32-ball 70, featuring five sixes and three fours, was a game-changer for Perth, dismantling the Renegades’ star-studded bowling attack.
The Renegades’ bowlers must tighten up on Friday and contain those top-tier batsmen, especially stars like Glenn Maxwell or Kevin Pietersen, who can turn the game in an instant.
Melbourne Stars
The Stars have hit a rough patch, suffering their fifth straight defeat against the Adelaide Strikers on Tuesday, crushing their hopes for a seventh consecutive semi-final appearance.
Still, there are some positives. Marcus Stoinis continues to shine as an opener, and Glenn Maxwell seems to be finding his rhythm again, smashing a dazzling 39-ball 60 recently, before being caught off Peter Siddle’s bowling.
Kevin Pietersen’s future with the Stars looks uncertain—he’s indicated this season will be his last Big Bash. His recent dismissal during an aggressive shot attempt no doubt disappointed coach Stephen Flemming.
With the season’s end in sight and little to play for, the Stars will need to dig deep and find some motivation to claim victory in their remaining matches. There is undeniable talent in the squad, but the hunger to win must return.
Verdict: Melbourne Renegades 67/100
The Renegades are the clear favourites here. They’ve been solid this season, and the Stars’ current form suggests the Renegades should cruise to a well-deserved win.
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