Big Bash League 2019 Match 22, Melbourne Stars vs Melbourne Renegades: Preview, likely XIs, predictions

Big Bash League 2019 Match 22, Melbourne Stars vs Melbourne Renegades: Preview, likely XIs, predictions

Melbourne Renegades BBL

The first Melbourne Derby of the 2019-20 BBL will be played on January 4, when Melbourne Stars will play host to Melbourne Renegades at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The two teams had last met in last year’s final, when the Renegades had pulled off a heist.

However, the scenario is completely different this time. With 4 wins in 5 matches, the Stars, who had finished second last year, are at the top of the points table, while the Renegades languish at the bottom after losing all 5 of their matches.

The Renegades most recently lost to Sydney Sixers at Docklands. Sam Harper (45 in 24 balls) got them off to a quick start despite Aaron Finch’s early dismissal, but Shaun Marsh (40 in 42) got stuck in the middle overs before Dan Christian (32* in 17) powered them to 153/6.

The Sixers then chased down with a ball to spare despite some incisive bowling from Tom Andrews (3-0-22-2), Cameron Boyce (4-0-31-2), and Kane Richardson (4-0-22-0).

The Stars, on the other hand, were paid handsomely for bringing Haris Rauf (4-0-24-3) back into the side. Assisted by Glenn Maxwell (3-0-17-2), Nathan Coulter-Nile (4-0-24-0), and Dale Steyn (4-0-24-0), Rauf helped the Renegades restrict Sydney Thunder to 142/7 at the Showground.

Marcus Stoinis (58 in 51) and Nick Larkin (65 in 45) then added 123 in 92 balls to see the Stars home in the last over – this, despite them losing 6 for 19 in 20 balls.

The Stars will take field at The G as firm favourites against the defending champions. Form, history – everything points towards a win for the Stars.

Head to head

The Stars have won 11 Melbourne Derby matches and lost 5. However, the Renegades have won the last encounter, in last year’s final.

Key players

Haris Rauf (Melbourne Stars): Now back in the side, Rauf immediately impressed with an excellent new-ball spell. His tournament figures now stand at 12-0-71-10 – and it is likely that he would pull off something special here as well.

Sam Harper (Melbourne Renegades): Harper’s tournament strike rate reads 153. He had started off well before failing thrice in a row, but showed glimpses of a return during their last match, against the Sixers.

Likely XIs

Melbourne Stars: Nic Maddinson, Marcus Stoinis, Nick Larkin, Glenn Maxwell (c), Peter Handscomb (wk), Ben Dunk, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Clint Hinchcliffe, Adam Zampa, Dale Steyn, Haris Rauf.

Melbourne Renegades: Sam Harper (wk), Aaron Finch (c), Shaun Marsh, Marcus Harris, Beau Webster, Dan Christian, Will Sutherland, Cameron Boyce, Tom Andrews, Kane Richardson, Richard Gleeson.