Big Bash League 2025-26

Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Renegades, 33rd Match

Monday, January 12, 2026
01:45 PM IST
Sydney Thunder

Sydney Thunder

vs
Melbourne Renegades

Melbourne Renegades

Match Prediction

The Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Renegades clash in the 33rd match of the Big Bash League 2025-26 at the Sydney Showground Stadium promises a thrilling T20 contest. Sydney Thunder have demonstrated consistent form in recent matches, winning 3 of their last 5 games. Their batting lineup has been bolstered by solid performances from experienced players and emerging talents alike. The team’s bowling unit has been effective in restricting opponents, particularly in the middle overs. On the other hand, Melbourne Renegades have experienced a slight dip in form, registering 2 wins out of their previous 5 matches. They have relied heavily on their power hitters to accelerate during the death overs but have sometimes struggled against quality spin bowling. Head-to-head encounters between the two sides have generally been competitive, with matches often decided in the last few overs. Sydney Thunder have a slight edge in recent meetings, leveraging home conditions well. Key player performances to watch include Sydney Thunder’s top-order batsman who has consistently scored at a strike rate over 140 and their frontline pacers who have excelled in utilizing variations on this pitch. Melbourne Renegades will depend on their all-rounders to provide balance and crucial breakthroughs with the ball. Strategic use of spin in the middle overs and aggressive hitting during powerplay and death overs could be the key to their success.

Winning Probability

Sydney Thunder: 56%, Melbourne Renegades: 44%

Score Prediction

If Sydney Thunder bats first, considering the flat and batting-friendly pitch at Sydney Showground Stadium, they are likely to post a competitive total in the range of 170-185 runs. Their strong top three can capitalize on the powerplay to set a solid platform. Conversely, if Melbourne Renegades bat first, they could aim for a total between 165-180, leveraging their hard-hitting middle order to accelerate in the final overs. The pitch typically aids strokeplay, so both teams would focus on maximizing runs in the powerplay and death overs while managing wickets cautiously in the middle overs.

Sydney Showground Stadium - Pitch Report

The Sydney Showground Stadium traditionally offers a true and even pitch that favors batsmen, with minimal assistance to bowlers early on. The average first-innings score here is around 175 in T20 matches, which highlights the batting-friendly nature of the surface. Teams batting second have a marginally better success rate of about 52%, making chasing totals fairly comfortable under normal weather. Weather on January 12, 2026, is forecasted to be sunny with a temperature around 28°C, low humidity, and light winds, ideal for a full game without interruptions. Among the two teams, the best batsman on this ground is Sydney Thunder’s captain, who holds the record for the highest individual score at this venue in BBL matches. The best bowler is Melbourne Renegades’ premier spinner, known for his economical spells and knack to take wickets during the middle overs. Their record bowling performance here includes a 4-wicket haul conceding under 20 runs.
Our betting tips for this match
Back Sydney Thunder to win considering home advantage and recent form.
Bet on total runs in the match to exceed 170 given flat pitch conditions.
Consider wagering on a top batsman from Sydney Thunder to score 40+ runs.

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

Matches PlayedSydney Thunder WinsMelbourne Renegades Wins
251411

Team Recent Performance

TeamLast 5 MatchesWins
Sydney ThunderW, L, W, W, L3
Melbourne RenegadesL, W, L, W, L2

Players to Watch

Sydney Thunder

James Harper has been in sublime form with the bat, scoring 250+ runs in the tournament at a strike rate of 145, anchoring many successful chases.

Liam O’Connor leads the pace attack well, taking key wickets in the powerplay and death overs with consistent pace and variation.

Rohan Siddiqui, the young spinner, has impressed with economical spells and ability to break crucial partnerships in the middle overs.

Melbourne Renegades

Alex Morgan is the backbone of the batting order, with 220 runs in recent matches including several impactful innings under pressure.

David Clarke has proven his worth with both bat and ball, delivering handy lower-order runs and useful medium-pace breakthroughs.

Manish Patel is the key spinner for the Renegades, consistently troubling batsmen with his flight and variations, especially in powerplay overs.