Big Bash League 2025-26

Melbourne Renegades vs Sydney Sixers, 18th Match

Thursday, January 1, 2026
10:30 AM IST
Melbourne Renegades

Melbourne Renegades

vs
Sydney Sixers

Sydney Sixers

Match Prediction

The upcoming 18th match of the Big Bash League 2025-26 pits Melbourne Renegades against the Sydney Sixers at Docklands Stadium. Both teams head into this encounter with mixed recent form, making it a highly anticipated clash. The Renegades have shown improved consistency in the last few games, largely driven by their aggressive batting lineup and strategic bowling changes. They excel especially when batting first, leveraging their power hitters to set formidable targets. Conversely, the Sydney Sixers boast a balanced squad with strong all-round capabilities and have historically performed well under pressure, particularly when chasing. Their key to success usually lies in their top-order stability and disciplined bowling attack, capable of thwarting opposition momentum. Head-to-head, the teams have been fairly even, but the Sixers have edged marginally ahead in recent seasons. Key performances from the likes of Melbourne’s explosive openers have been countered by the Sixers’ consistent middle order and their strike bowlers' ability to pick crucial wickets at pivotal moments. Strategically, the Renegades might aim to capitalize on home conditions and fast start powerplay utilization, while the Sixers will seek to control the middle overs and target death over expertise. Weather and pitch conditions are expected to favor a decent scoring rate, placing additional importance on adaptability and good death bowling. The team that executes their game plan with discipline will likely have the upper hand.

Melbourne Renegades: 52%, Sydney Sixers: 48%

Score Prediction

Considering the Docklands Stadium pitch that tends to offer a balanced contest between bat and ball, if Melbourne Renegades bat first, a total around 165-175 runs seems likely due to their strong power-hitters exploiting the powerplay and death overs effectively. If the Sydney Sixers opt to bat first, they may post a slightly higher score in the range of 170-180, benefiting from their deeper batting order and ability to accelerate throughout the innings. Both teams boast strong middle-order finishers capable of pushing totals beyond par, but bowlers can still find movement early on, meaning the first 6 overs will be crucial in setting the tempo.

Docklands Stadium - Pitch Report

The Docklands Stadium pitch is typically a balanced surface, favoring neither batsmen nor bowlers excessively. The average first-innings score at this venue in recent BBL matches stands at roughly 165 runs. Chasing teams have had success about 55% of the time, indicating a slight advantage when batting second. Weather forecast predicts a clear day with mild temperature and moderate wind, optimal for cricket. The ground itself is known for favorable boundaries and consistent bounce. Best Batsman: Marcus Harris (Sydney Sixers) holds the highest run aggregate at this venue among the two teams with a best score of 92*. Best Bowler: Adam Zampa (Melbourne Renegades) leads in wickets here, boasting figures of 4/25 in previous encounters. The record performances underline the importance of both spin and pace bowling and a steady batting approach to capitalize on the ground dynamics.
Our betting tips for this match
Consider backing the Sydney Sixers if the toss favors chasing, given their strong record batting second at Docklands Stadium.
Expect at least one half-century from the Renegades’ top-order batsmen based on recent form and pitch conditions.
Keep an eye on Adam Zampa to pick early wickets; a strong bowling impact can tilt the match sharply.

Melbourne Renegades vs Sydney Sixers - Head to Head Record in T20

MetricMelbourne RenegadesSydney Sixers
Total Matches Played2020
Matches Won812
Last 5 Matches2 Wins, 3 Losses3 Wins, 2 Losses

Players to Watch

Marcus Harris: The Sixers’ opener has amassed consistent runs this season, including two half-centuries in recent matches, anchoring their innings solidly.

Moeen Ali: Serving as a key all-rounder for the Sixers, Ali has contributed with crucial late-over hitting and economical spells with the ball.

Adam Zampa: Melbourne's premier spinner, Zampa has taken vital wickets and maintained impressive economy rates, particularly effective on the Docklands track.

Aaron Finch: Leading the Renegades’ batting charge, Finch’s aggressive style has produced quickfire 40+ scores that set attacking platforms.

Tj Harris: The young Renegades pace bowler has emerged as a potent wicket-taker in recent games, excelling with yorkers in the death overs.

Jess Duffin: Renowned for her dependable middle-order batting, Duffin has played match-defining knocks with a strike rate well above 130 this season.