BBL 2025/26 | Match 14: Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder | Preview and Predictions
Melbourne Stars will take on Sydney Thunder in Match 14 of the ongoing 2025/26 Big Bash League at the Manuka Oval on 28th December 2025.
The Stars have been excellent, sitting at the top of the table after winning their first three games in a row. Sydney Thunder, however, have posted inconsistent results up to this point, and require a victory here to break away from the condensed two-point group and find some breathing space.
Here, we present our preview and predictions for Match 14 between the Stars and the Thunder
BBL|15 Match 14: Stars vs Thunder | 13:45 IST, December 28, 2025
Melbourne Stars have begun the season on a strong note, registering three successive victories in their opening round of fixtures to claim first position in the early season standings. The challenge now is to keep that drive going and remain positioned within the top two.
At the top of the order, Joe Clarke and Campbell Kellaway have provided solid foundation in each of their three games, however, it is the introduction of Sam Harper as an opener that has been a revelation. His unbeaten knock of 110 off 60 deliveries was the difference as the rest of the batters struggled to get going in their last game.
The middle order takes care of itself with Marcus Stoinis in a rich vein of form. Glenn Maxwell hasn’t found his rhythm yet, however, with the likes of Tom Curran and Hilton Cartwright to follow, there’s enough batting depth.
However, it is their bowling that has been a standout feature of their excellent start to the campaign. The fast bowling quartet of Haris Rauf, Peter Siddle, Tom Curran and Marcus Stoinis share 25 wickets between them so far. While Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Swepson have provided control and tight overs through the middle phase.
Sydney Thunder on the other hand have had a difficult start to the campaign, collecting just one win after losing both their opening fixtures comprehensively, leaving them sitting in fifth on the table, tied on two points with five other teams. Thus there is a clear pressure on the management to sort out any loose ends if they are to push for a top four finish.
Their last game against the Brisbane Heat saw the top order finally click as they piled on a huge 127-run stand for the opening stand with both Sam Konstas (63 off 45) and Matthew Gilkes (76 off 48) getting crucial runs under their belt.
Sam Billings and Cameron Bancroft have chipped in with handy contributions to deepen their batting order. Bancroft, backed by extensive T20 exposure, is tipped to shoulder responsibility and can swing momentum quickly. Skipper David Warner would also be looking to add vital runs from the middle order while Pakistani all-rounder Shadab Khan has been in fine touch with handy contributions lower down the order.
Their bowling attack, despite some solid additions, have lacked a cutting edge in their first three fixtures. Among seamers, Reece Topley and Nathan McAndrew lead the wicket takers column with three scalps each, however, the former is going over 12 runs per over while the latter sits just shy of 10 at 9.7 runs per over. In the spin department, Shadab Khan has been the lone warrior with six wickets, however, he’s had very little assistance from Chris Green and Tanveer Sangha in terms of wicket-taking threat.
In terms of weather forecast and pitch report, except the gusty winds and cool temperatures affecting play in Canberra, rain shouldn’t interrupt proceedings. The pitch here usually maintains its hardness and true nature, rewarding batters for their shots. The shorter square boundaries mean the power hitters could have a field day if there isn’t anything for the bowlers. Moreover, 16 of the 26 domestic T20 games played at Manuka Oval have been won by the side chasing, showing that batting second is the way to go here.
Looking ahead to this fixture, unbeaten and top of the table Melbourne Stars will look to maintain their recent form when they face Sydney Thunder next, a side that has struggled for consistency so far this season. That said, Thunder can draw some confidence from the fact that they’ve won all five of their recent meetings with the Melbourne Stars, though they’ll have to raise their game considerably if they want to repeat that success here. This match should go down to the wire, but we’re backing the Melbourne Stars to break their loss streak against the Sydney Thunder and remain unbeaten in BBL|15.
Fantasy XI: Sam Harper, Matthew Gilkes, Campbell Kellaway, Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings, Marcus Stoinis (c), Tom Curran, Shadab Khan (vc), Haris Rauf, Reece Topley, Peter Siddle
Venue: Manuka Oval, Canberra
Winners Prediction: Melbourne Stars
