Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Thunder BBL Final Tips - Fitting finale for a classic campaign
26 Jan 2025
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Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Stars BBL Knockout Tips - Stars impressive run to continue
- Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Stars BBL Knockout match predictions to be played in Sydney on Wednesday, January 22
- The Sydney Thunder lost 3 of their last 4 H2Hs at this venue
- The Melbourne Stars won their last 5 matches

Can the Stars continue their impressive winning streak? (Getty Images)
Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Stars BBL Knockout
It’s a virtual knockout in the Big Bash League 2024/25 (BBL14) as the Sydney Thunder take on the Melbourne Stars in the Knockout match. The Sydney Showground Stadium will play host on Wednesday, with the match starting at 2 pm IST.
- Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Stars BBL Knockout
- Head to Head
- Sydney Thunder Form
- Sydney Thunder Team News
- Melbourne Stars Form
- Melbourne Stars Team News
- Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Stars BBL Knockout FAQs
The Thunder finished third, and the Stars finished fourth to qualify for this stage. There’s no place for complacency here, as the loser becomes the first team to get knocked out of the playoffs this season. I am leaning a bit on the Stars, who have the winning momentum.
- Sydney Thunder lost 3 of their 4 matches against the Stars at this venue (BBL).
- Melbourne Stars have won their last 5 matches (BBL).
- Sydney Thunder lost 2 of their last 3 completed matches (BBL).
- David Warner top-scored for the Thunder in 4 of their last 5 completed matches (BBL).
- Glenn Maxwell top-scored for the Stars in their last 3 matches (BBL).
Head to Head
There have been 21 matches between the Sydney Thunder and the Melbourne Stars, with the record only marginally favouring the Thunder—11 wins to 10 losses.
This season, the teams have played once, in Canberra, for match #14. The Thunder won by 18 runs then, with Sam Billings’ 72 powering them to 182 for 8. The reply was led by Ben Duckett (67), but the Stars could only get to 164 for 8.
Sydney Thunder Form
Sydney Thunder finished the regular season in 3rd position with 12 points from 10 matches with five wins, three losses, and two no results. They have won just one of their last five matches, losing two, and two ending without a result.
The Thunder’s season has been about how David Warner (243 runs, Avg. 57.66, SR 142.38) has rekindled his love for the format. Sam Billings is the next top scorer with 185 runs.
Bowling duties are led by the Thunder veteran Chris Green (11 wickets), although Wes Agar (nine) and Lockie Ferguson (eight) have done enough in supporting roles.
Sydney Thunder Team News
Toby Gray and Blake Nikitaras came into the squad for Dan Christian and Sam Konstas for the Thunder. Cameron Bancroft and Daniel Sams are both out of the season with injuries.
Melbourne Stars Form
The Stars finished the regular season with ten points from five wins and losses apiece. They left it late, and only a win against the Hobart Hurricanes guaranteed their place. Melbourne Stars have won their last five in a row after losing the first five!
The turnaround of fortunes is led by Glenn Maxwell (297 runs, Avg. 59.40, SR 194.11), who has finished as their top scorer in the last three matches. Next best is captain Marcus Stoinis (296 runs, SR 130.97).
Bowling duties are led by Mark Steketee (15 wickets, ER 6.97), while Peter Siddle (11) and the duo of Joel Paris and Usama Mir (nine wickets each) supported Steketee really well.
Melbourne Stars Team News
The Stars made a couple of changes to their squad for the knockout. Peter Handscomb comes in place of Beau Webster. Campbell Kellaway also comes into the squad, replacing Blake Macdonald.
Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Stars BBL Knockout FAQs
Where can I watch the Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Stars BBL Knockout live stream?
Our live streaming calendar shows you where to watch the Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Stars BBL Knockout live stream.
What time does Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Stars BBL Knockout start?
This Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Stars BBL Knockout match is to be played at the Sydney Showground Stadium in Sydney starting at 2 p.m. IST on Wednesday, January 22.
Verdict
Not many would have given the Melbourne Stars a chance to reach the playoffs after starting with five consecutive wins. But here they are—looking dangerous and ready to continue their impeccable run. Can they continue this streak against the Thunder? I am backing Melbourne Stars to keep winning.
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