Match Preview: What to Expect
As on January 14, Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades are at the bottom of the BBL table. The Stars have 16 points from 9 games and the Renegades 9 from 9.
Big Bash League
| TEAM | M | W | L | PT | NRR |
| SS | 10 | 7 | 3 | 29 | 0.555 |
| ST | 10 | 6 | 4 | 23 | 1.129 |
| PS | 9 | 5 | 3 | 20 | 0.903 |
| AS | 10 | 5 | 5 | 20 | 0.337 |
| HH | 10 | 5 | 5 | 19 | -0.229 |
| BH | 9 | 4 | 5 | 16 | 0.124 |
| MS | 9 | 3 | 5 | 16 | -0.438 |
| MR | 9 | 2 | 7 | 9 | -2.552 |
The Stars skipper Glenn Maxwell has been in reasonably good form during this year’s edition and can be expected to play a major role in the match. He has stroked 260 runs in 9 games at an average of 32.50 and strike rate of 151.16. International star Marcus Stoinis has also fared well for the Stars clobbering 287 runs in 9 matches at 35.87 average and 162.14 strike rate.
On the bowling front, Adam Zampa has performed admirably for the Stars, grabbing 14 scalps in 8 games at 7.20 economy rate and 12.4 strike rate. He has been well supported by Liam Hatcher who has claimed 10 wickets in 7 games at 8.96 economy rate and 16.2 strike rate.
The Stars have won the two clashes with the Renegades this season. On 4th January, they won by eight wickets chasing a target of 142, and on 10th January, they easily chased 168, losing just three wickets. For this reason, the Stars go in as favorites versus the Renegades.
The Renegades are led by the accomplished Aaron Finch and their top batsman this season has been Shaun Marsh who has scored 247 runs in 7 games at 35.28 average and 137.22 strike rate. He has been supported by Sam Harper with 158 runs in 9 matches at 19.75 average and 117.03 strike rate.
For the Renegades, the best bowler this year has been Kane Richardson with 12 scalps in 9 games with 8.25 economy rate and 16.4 strike rate. Imad Wasim has also bowled well for the Renegades, grabbing 6 wickets in 5 matches with 7.22 economy rate and 18.0 strike rate.
Aaron Finch has had a relatively ordinary season for the Renegades after being in wonderful form in the limited-overs matches against India. He has only had a modest average thus far and his scoring rate has also been ordinary. He needs to get back to form quickly to help the Renegades win the match.
At one point during this year’s edition, Melbourne Stars were said to have a great chance to appear in the playoffs. But, now they’re desperately trying to stay afloat. They have just 16 points from nine games and their net run rate is a dismal -0.438.