MS vs ST, BBL|15, Match Prediction: Who will win today’s match between Melbourne Stars and Sydney Thunder?

Melbourne stars aim to extend their unbeaten run in the league Big Bash League 2025-2026 when confronted Sydney Thunder in the 14th match at Manuka Oval, Canberra, on Sunday. The Stars sit at the top of the points table with three wins from three matches and a strong net run rate of +1.383, while Thunder are in fifth place with one win and two losses from three matches.

Melbourne Stars have won all three matches so far, including a recent six-wicket win Adelaide Strikers and a resounding victory against Sydney Sixerswith Sam Harper scoring a century in the last. Sydney Thunder struggled with battle losses Hobart Hurricanes And Brisbane heat but showed promise from Shadab Khan and bowlers like Reece Topley and Nathan McAndrew.

MS vs ST, BBL|15: Match details

• Date and time: December 28 (Sunday); 1:45 PM IST / 8:15 AM GMT / 7:15 PM Local
• Location: Manuka Oval, Canberra

MS vs ST, head-to-head record in BBL

Matches played: 22 | Melbourne Stars won: 10 | Sydney Thunder won: 12 | No result/draw: 0

Manuka oval pitch report

Manuka Oval in Canberra offers a batter-friendly surface with real bounce and good carry, ideal for stroke play in Big Bash League matches. The pitch typically supports high-scoring matches, averaging around 149 runs in the first innings over 21 T20s, although it slows slightly under lights, helping spinners in the latter stages. Chasing teams have a small lead (9 wins versus 9 batting first, with draws), making toss decisions crucial – captains often choose to bat first. Expect a fast outfield and short boundaries to promote aggressive batting, but pacers like Rauf and Topley can exploit early moves.

Selections:

Melbourne stars: Thomas Fraser Rogers, Joe Clarke, Sam Harper (wk), Marcus Stoinis (c), Glenn MaxwellHilton Cartwright, Tom Curran, Liam Hatcher, Haris Rauf, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Swepson, Aryan Sharma, Jonathan Merlo, Campbell Kellaway

Sydney Thunder: Sam Konstas, Matthew Gilkes, David Warner (c), Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings (wk), Shadab Khan, Daniel Sams, Chris Green, Nathan McAndrew, Tanveer Sangha, Reece Topley, Ryan Hadley, Blake Nikitaras, Aidan O’Connor

Also READ: Sam Harper’s explosive tone ensures Melbourne Stars dominates win over Sydney Sixers in BBL|15

MS vs ST, BBL|15: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• Melbourne Stars wins the toss and bats first
• Melbourne Stars powerplay score: 50-60
• Melbourne Stars total score: 180-190

Case 2:

• Sydney Thunder wins the toss and bats first
• Sydney Thunder power play score: 40-50
• Sydney Thunder total score: 160-170

Competition result: Team to bat first to win the match.

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