Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars Match Prediction: Who will win BBL 2026 Knockout?

Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars Match Prediction. [Source - Cricket Australia]

Hobart Hurricanes and Melbourne Stars will lock horns in the Knockout match of the BBL 2025-26 on January 21, Wednesday at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart, with the contest set to begin at 2:00 PM IST.

Hobart Hurricanes finished the league stage at third with six wins but enters the knockout match under pressure after recent setbacks, while Melbourne Stars, who also finished with six wins in the league, will be eager to be at their best in this encounter.

Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars current form (Last 5 BBL Knockout matches)

Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars player battles

Sam Harper vs Riley Meredith

All eyes will be on Sam Harper versus Riley Meredith in the powerplay. Meredith, Hobart Hurricanes’ lead pacer, is most probably the best option to challenge the Melbourne Stars’ opener, their highest run-scorer with 371 runs at 61.83 and a strike-rate of 155.23, in a contest that could decide the game early.

Ben Mcdermott vs Peter Siddle

Another key contest is Ben McDermott versus Peter Siddle. McDermott has been among Hobart Hurricanes’ best batters this summer with 270 runs at 33.75 and a 131.70 strike-rate. But Siddle, with 16 wickets at 15.81 this season, has dismissed him three times in T20s, keeping him to a run-a-ball 41.

Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars top performers

Most runs for Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars (among squad members)

Ben Mcdermott tops the scoring chart in HH vs MS with 535 runs at 38.21 average, 133.41 SR and 6 50s.

Most wickets for Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars (among squad members)

Riley Meredith is leading wicket-taker in this fixture with 20 wickets at 17.45 average and 13.9 strike-rate.

Most runs for Melbourne Stars vs Hobart Hurricanes (among squad members)

Glenn Maxwell has highest runs for Melbourne Stars against Hobart Hurricanes with 634 runs at 70.44 average and 186.47 SR, including 1 100 and 4 50s.

Most wickets for Melbourne Stars vs Hobart Hurricanes (among squad members)

Haris Rauf has 10 wickets at 8.4 average and 6.6 strike-rate in this fixture against Hobart Hurricanes.

Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars toss prediction

The team winning the toss is expected to bat first at the Bellerive Oval, Hobart, a surface that has offered something for everyone. While pacers consistently find assistance, especially with the new ball, conditions have favored teams setting a total.

Three of the five matches this season here have been won by sides batting first, all coming in the last three fixtures. With both Hobart Hurricanes and Melbourne Stars boasting strong pace attacks, fast bowlers are expected to dominate proceedings, making batting first the preferred option.

Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars 1st innings score prediction

Powerplay - 55/2

End of the innings - 170/6

Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars 2nd innings score prediction

Powerplay - 48/3

End of the innings - 155/8

Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars top players prediction

Hobart Hurricanes’ top players prediction

Riley Meredith, Ben McDermott

Melbourne Stars's top players prediction

Glenn Maxwell, Haris Rauff

Who will hit the most sixes in the Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars BBL Knockout match?

Marcus Stoinis

Who will hit the most fours in the Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars BBL Knockout match?

Ben McDermott

Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars Match Winner Prediction: Who will win BBL Knockout 2026?

Both teams enter the knockout after losing their final league match and finishing the league stage with the same number of wins. However, Hobart Hurricanes will miss key players due to injuries, including Tim David and captain Nathan Ellis, while Melbourne Stars have a full-strength squad capable of winning in Hobart and advancing to the next round.