BBL 2019-20 Match 16, Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars: Preview, prediction, likely XIs

Hobart Hurricanes will host Melbourne Stars for Match 16 of the 2019-20, at Invermay Park, Launceston. Both teams have progressed similarly in this edition of the tournament, having won 2 of their 3 matches, though the Stars have a significantly better net run rate (+1.15 to -0.342).

The chasm can be explained by the outcome of the encounter between the sides, at Moe a week ago. Marcus Stoinis (81 not out in 54 balls) had powered the Stars to 163/4 before Haris Rauf (4-0-27-5) shot out the Hurricanes for 111.

Despite his outstanding form, Rauf did not find a place in the Stars’ next match, against Adelaide Strikers at Canberra. He was replaced by Dale Steyn (Sandeep Lamichhane was their other overseas player that day). Steyn had an indifferent match, and Rauf should be back.

The Stars lost that match against the Strikers. They lost early wickets, after which Glenn Maxwell’s 25-ball 43 proved to be insufficient. They ended up losing by 5 runs.

The Hurricanes, on the other hand, are coming off a win at Hobart. D’Arcy Short (60 in 45) and Ben McDermott (51* in 48) guided them to a 7-wicket win after Nathan Ellis (3-0-15-3), Riley Meredith (4-0-26-3), and James Faulkner (3.1-0-26-3) bowled out Melbourne Renegades for 147.

The Hurricanes are likely to the carry that momentum and use it to their advantage. Remember, they will also play at home.

Head to head

Key players

Riley Meredith (Hobart Hurricanes): Meredith, as spearhead of the Hurricanes attack, has lived up to his reputation as one of Australia’s fastest bowlers. Quick and accurate, he has picked up 7 wickets at 9 apiece so far, conceding just 5.25 an over. These are outstanding numbers.

Glenn Maxwell (Melbourne Stars): The Stars captain has played two spectacular innings so far. His tournament strike rate reads a whopping 191, which is something that will bother the Hurricanes.

Likely XIs

Hobart Hurricanes: D’Arcy Short, Simon Milenko, Caleb Jewell, Ben McDermott (c & wk), David Miller, George Bailey, James Faulkner, Nathan Ellis, Clive Rose, Qais Ahmed, Riley Meredith.

Melbourne Stars: Nic Maddinson, Marcus Stoinis, Hilton Cartwright, Peter Handscomb (wk), Glenn Maxwell (c), Ben Dunk, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Adam Zampa, Daniel Worrall, Dale Steyn/Haris Rauf, Sandeep Lamichhane.

Prediction

Hobart Hurricanes to win a close encounter.