BBL 13 Match 38, STA vs HUR | Playing 11 Prediction, Cricket Tips, Preview & Live Streaming

Hobart Hurricanes will play for their pride on Monday. (X.com)

With the hope that they can still qualify for the playoffs, the Melbourne Stars will host the Hobart Hurricanes in Match 38 of the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL13), scheduled to be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Monday, January 15.

STA vs HUR: Team Previews

Melbourne Stars

After succumbing to a defeat in the derby against the Melbourne Renegades, the Melbourne Stars find themselves in a precarious position. During their innings against the Renegades, none of the Stars batsmen seemed to take command, failing to accelerate despite four of them crossing the 20-run mark.

In contrast, Renegades' Shaun Marsh exhibited stellar resilience, carrying his bat through the innings and ensuring a fitting farewell for Aaron Finch. This subdued loss to the Renegades poses a significant setback for the Stars, impacting their chances of securing the fourth spot in the standings.

The Stars' recent performances have disrupted their momentum, suffering comprehensive defeats at the hands of the Sixers and Renegades in their last two outings. Winning either of these games could have allowed them to control their fate for the finals. However, they now depend on the Thunder causing an upset against the in-form Strikers to keep their playoff hopes alive. Both losses followed a familiar pattern: a lack of substantial contributions with the bat (Hilton Cartwright's 38 against the Renegades being the highest score in both games), followed by a disappointing bowling effort.

In their upcoming matches, the Stars will be eager to achieve the rare feat of defeating the Hurricanes twice in a single season, a feat they haven't accomplished since 2019-2020.

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Hobart Hurricanes

Similar to the Stars, the Hobart Hurricanes find themselves at a standstill, losing their last three matches, including consecutive defeats against the in-form Adelaide Strikers. The Hurricanes' fortunes took a downturn after a narrow 1-run loss to the Heat in a rain-affected game in Hobart. Despite Ben McDermott's impressive 95, the Strikers clinched a 5-wicket victory at the Adelaide Oval. In the reverse fixture in Hobart, a dazzling innings from substitute Jake Weatherald dashed their hopes of securing a win.

Before this unfortunate streak, Hobart was gearing up for a potential playoff push. However, their current situation sees them out of contention, and they will now be playing for pride at the MCG. The team has faced challenges due to the lack of form from key players like Matthew Wade, Tim David, and Corey Anderson. Inconsistent performances with both bat and ball across various players have characterized a tumultuous season for the Hobart Hurricanes. The best Nathan Ellis' side can achieve is a fifth-place finish, indicating another season without playoff action after their sixth-place finish in the previous season.

STA vs HUR: Match Details & Live Streaming

STA vs HUR: MCG Pitch Report

This pitch is favourable to batsmen, witnessing a total of 27 matches played. Among these, the team batting first secured victory in 11 matches, while the team bowling first emerged triumphant in 15 matches. The average score on this pitch hovers around 140. Opting to bat first after winning the toss would be the advisable decision.

STA vs HUR: Probable Playing XI

Melbourne Stars: Thomas Rogers, Dan Lawerence, Beau Webster, Glenn Maxwell (c), Marcus Stoinis, Hilton Cartwright, Imad Wasim, Peter Handscomb (wk), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Joel Paris, Mark Steketee

Hobart Hurricanes: Ben Mcdermott, Matthew Wade (wk), Macilister Wright, Caleb Jewell, Corey Anderson, Tim David, Nikhil Chaudhary, Chris Jordan, Paddy Dooley, Nathan Ellis (c), Riley Meredith

STA vs HUR: Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

STA vs HUR: Winner Prediction

A potential spot in the knockouts is on the line, and Glenn Maxwell and his troops will be eager to secure a win and take the lead against the Hurricanes. Most likely, they will be able to achieve it.

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