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Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars Preview: Faltering visitors could struggle against the team in purple

By Sridhar Bhamidi

01 Jan 2021

Sridhar Bhamidi 01 Jan 2021

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Hobart Hurricanes will host Melbourne Stars in Match #23 of BBL 10
This match will be played at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart
Hobart Hurricanes have won all three matches they played here this season
Melbourne Stars are winless in their last three matches, losing two

Hobart Hurricanes expected to come good against a faltering Melbourne Stars (Getty Images)

Hobart Hurricanes will look to continue their impressive home form when they welcome Melbourne Stars for their first match of the calendar year 2021. This match #23 of the Big Bash League 2020-21 will be played at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart on January 2.

The Hurricanes are third in the standings with 15 points from six matches with four wins and two losses. The Stars are 5th in the points tally with ten points from five matches with two wins and losses each. This will be the first of the back-to-back matches between the teams.

Hobart Hurricanes Form

The Hurricanes are coming off a thrilling one-run win over Brisbane Heat. Batting strengths have been the Hurricanes’ biggest positive so far with three players scoring above 150 runs. Tim David (181) has been the surprise of the season for the Hurricanes, while Colin Ingram (185) has slotted in seamlessly.

What has really helped the Hurricanes, though, is their bowling brilliance. Riley Meredith (10) is the joint-second best bowler of the season, while Nathan Ellis (eight wickets, ER 8.73) has been their go-to bowler during death overs.

Hobart Hurricanes News

Nepalese leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane will play his first match of the season for his new side, ironically against his old side. D’Arcy Short is expected to make his 50th KFC Big Bash appearance.

Melbourne Stars Form

After starting the season with two wins on the trot, Melbourne Stars have failed to win their next three. The match against Perth Scorchers was washed out, while the Stars lost to Sydney Sixers (one wicket) and Sydney Thunder (75 runs) in their next two.

Glenn Maxwell will be worried about the batsmen from his side, although his own form has been impressive (179 runs, SR 146.72). Marcus Stoinis’ return will be a big boost, though. Bowling will revolve around Liam Hatcher (nine wickets) although none of their bowlers have an economy of under eight runs an over.

Melbourne Stars News

Adam Zampa has been suspended for this match which will leave the Stars light on the bowling front.

Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars Head-to-Head

Melbourne Stars have won nine of the 13 matches against Hobart Hurricanes including the last three in a row. In fact, the Stars have won six of their last eight matches against the Hurricanes.

Last season saw the Stars defeat the Hurricanes by four runs (via D/L Method) and 52 runs.

Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars Match Up

The Hurricanes are one of the top-scoring sides of the tournament, while the Stars have struggled for big scores. The Stars will also miss the services of Adam Zampa, which could leave a hole in their bowling unit.

Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars Stats

Hobart Hurricanes have won each of their three matches at Bellerive Oval this season.
Melbourne Stars have conceded 7.80 sixes per match which is the most by any side this season.
Melbourne Stars have won three of the four matches played at this venue against Hobart Hurricanes.
Melbourne Stars are winless in their last three matches this season, losing two.

Prediction

Hobart Hurricanes have traditionally struggled against Melbourne Stars but this could be their best chance to set that record straight. The Hurricanes have enjoyed batting brilliances this season, although they were run close in the previous match. The Stars are coming off a huge loss against Sydney Thunder, while Adam Zampa’s absence will further weaken them.

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