Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Stars Predictions & Tips - Stars to continue dominance over Thunder

Glenn Maxwell has been in sublime form for the Melbourne Stars this season and the return of Marcus Stoinis will give the Stars another boost. The Melbourne side have had the edge over the Thunder in recent seasons and are backed to win.

The Melbourne Stars have won their last five matches against the Sydney Thunder. That includes a 22-run win just over two weeks ago in Hobart.

The Sydney Thunder are second in the Big Bash table after four matches. They have won three and lost one of their four matches, with their one defeat coming against the Melbourne Stars.

Momentum has, however, swung since that defeat and the Thunder cruised to a 129-run victory in their last match on Boxing Day. The Thunder batted first in Canberra against the Melbourne Renegades and scored a massive 209 runs.

Olivier Davies top scored with 48 runs off 23 balls but there were other notable contributions. Alex Hales found some form with 35 runs, Usman Khawaja scored 34 and Callum Ferguson 31.

A total of 200+ is a daunting task for any side but the woeful Renegades hardly put up a fight. They were bowled out for 80 runs.

Tanveer Sangha was superb in taking 4-14 in 3.2 overs. Adam Milne took 2-21 and Chris Green 2-7 in what was a dominant display.

The Sydney Thunder are unlikely to change with the team in good form. The one area they could look at is wicketkeeper Baxter Holt. England’s Sam Billings is available for selection after completing his quarantine period.

This will add further international quality to the Thunder’s batting lineup which already looks very strong.

The Melbourne Stars started the Big Bash season on fire, winning their first two matches. Unfortunately their next game ended in a no result due to weather and then they lost their match to the Sydney Sixers.

There may have been a slight momentum shift in results, but the Stars are still playing some good cricket. Despite defeat against the Sixers in Carrara, the Melbourne Stars managed to score 193 runs against a very good bowling lineup.

The top order never really got going but Glenn Maxwell scored 71 off 47 balls and Nicholas Pooran 65 off 26 balls. The 193-run total always looked above par but the Stars’ bowlers couldn’t defend it.

Nathan Coulter-Nile bowled well taking 2-14 in three overs. The rest of the bowlers all went around the park as the Sixers won by one wicket with one ball to spare. 

Marcus Stoinis is likely to return to the lineup for the Melbourne Stars. Ben Dunk could be the one to drop out while Nicholas Pooran takes the gloves.

There may be a few changes in the batting order, specifically with Pooran possibly going on to bat higher.