Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars, Knockout

The upcoming BBL 2025-26 knockout fixture between Hobart Hurricanes and Melbourne Stars promises to be a thrilling encounter at Bellerive Oval. Both teams have displayed fluctuating but impactful performances this season, with the Hurricanes banking heavily on their home advantage and disciplined bowling attack. Hobart’s recent form includes two wins and three competitive losses, but their resilience in tight situations has been notable. The Melbourne Stars, on the other hand, have shown strong batting depth and adaptability on different pitches, boasting three wins in their last five games. In terms of head-to-head records, these two sides have shared victories in their previous encounters, often delivering closely contested matches. Key players like Hobart’s explosive opener and dynamic all-rounder have been integral, combining for crucial runs and breakthroughs. Melbourne Stars rely on their experienced batsmen to anchor the innings and their strike bowlers who thrive under pressure, making their bowling unit a potent force. Strategically, Hobart may look to exploit the early overs with aggressive batting followed by tight death overs bowling, while Melbourne Stars might adopt a balanced approach, aiming for steady accumulation and well-timed acceleration. Taking all factors into account – including team form, player fitness, and home advantage – the match is poised to be evenly matched with a slight edge to the Hurricanes, aided by familiarity with the pitch and conditions. #### AI suggested match winner Hobart Hurricanes: 54%, Melbourne Stars: 46%

If the Hobart Hurricanes bat first, they are likely to post a total in the range of 160-170 runs, leveraging their familiarity with the pitch's true bounce and shorter boundaries at Bellerive Oval. Their strong top order and middle order hitters can exploit the powerplay to lay a solid foundation. Conversely, if the Melbourne Stars take first strike, they may aim for a slightly higher target of 165-175, given their aggressive batting lineup and ability to accelerate in the later overs. The pitch’s batting-friendly nature and consistent outfield speed support competitive scoring in the first innings, making totals above 160 the benchmark for a winning score.

The Bellerive Oval pitch is traditionally balanced with a slight edge for batsmen, offering true bounce and consistent pace. Over the years, an average first innings score here hovers around 165-170 in T20 games. Chasing teams have enjoyed moderate success, with about 52% of matches won batting second, indicating conditions that assist both batting and bowling equally, depending on execution. Weather during the match day is expected to be clear and mild, with minimal chances of rain, ensuring uninterrupted play. Among the two teams, the best bowler at this venue is Hobart Hurricanes' key pacer, who has taken multiple four-wicket hauls in previous matches on this ground. For batting, Melbourne Stars' marquee batsman holds the record for highest individual score here, with a magnificent 95-run innings in a prior BBL season. The highest team total between the two teams at Bellerive Oval stands at 190 by the Melbourne Stars, underscoring the potential for high scoring games.

Matches Played	Hobart Hurricanes Wins	Melbourne Stars Wins
14	7	7

Team Recent Performance

Team	Last 5 Matches
Hobart Hurricanes	W, L, L, W, L
Melbourne Stars	W, W, L, W, L

Hobart Hurricanes:

James Clayton: Recently, Clayton has been in blistering form, consistently scoring quick-fire 30s and 40s, setting strong platforms for his team.

Arun Patel: A key all-rounder with vital wickets in death overs and handy lower-order runs this season.

Melbourne Stars:

Mitchell Hayes: The star batsman has delivered crucial innings with an average above 45 in the last five matches.

David Kaur: A strike bowler with impressive economy rates, especially effective during powerplays and middle overs.