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Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Sixers Big Bash League Tips – Stars to shine as finals race tightens

adam-cusworth
Adam Cusworth
Editor
Last updated: Tue. 06 Jan. 2026 11:48

In an exciting matchup at the MCG, the Melbourne Stars will take on the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League. With a 4-2 record, the Stars aim to break their recent losing streak, supported by Haris Rauf's bowling prowess and Marcus Stoinis’ batting form. The Sydney Sixers, with a 3-3 record, are looking to capitalize on their recent positive momentum driven by Babar Azam's consistent performances and Sean Abbott's resurgence. The wide expanses of the MCG favor a competitive total, making for a thrilling contest as both teams vie for a spot in the finals.

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Adam Cusworth 06 Jan. 2026
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  • Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Sixers tips
  • Match shapes as a critical BBL15 finals clash
  • Key players: Rauf for Stars, Abbott for Sixers.
  • MCG's vastness demands a competitive score around 180.
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Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Sixers Big Bash League Tips
Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Sixers Big Bash League Tips

Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Sixers Big Bash League Expert Tips


The Melbourne Stars will pick up a key victory when they tackle the Sydney Sixers at the MCG on Thursday evening. 

The Stars head in with a 4-2 record and will be out to keep the 3-3 Sixers at bay as the race for finals positions heats up with three regular season matches to go. 

The green team opened the season with four straight wins but have dropped their past two, which have been tight contests, defending what looked to be match-winning totals 

At the same time the Sixers have surged by claiming their past two. They will look to bring sharp bowling execution to restrict the Stars swag of power hitters, particularly through the middle overs. 

The wide expanses of the MCG will see a total in the range of 180 to be competitive and with the bat, Babar Azam will look to build on his two half-centuries this season. 

But with slightly more attacking options with the ball in Haris Rauf, Tom Curran and the evergreen, Peter Siddle, the home side look to goods in what should be a belter, particularly if one of Glenn Maxwell or Marcus Stoinis get going. Take the Stars with Rauf among the wickets. Sean Abbott might be a dangerman for the Sixers. 

  • Melbourne claimed the Boxing Day meeting between the two sides by seven wickets with 15 balls remaining
  • Haris Rauf has taken 12 wickets from his six matches this season
  • Sean Abbott has taken five wickets in his past two matches
  • Marcus Stoinis is averaging 76.5 with the bat this season

Melbourne Stars Form


The Stars remain one of the most complete sides in BBL15 despite losing momentum over the past fortnight, sitting 3rd on the ladder with a 4–2 record.

Their season was ignited by a four-game winning streak, highlighted by dominant wins over Hobart, Adelaide and Sydney. Across those victories, Melbourne conceded an average of 146 runs per innings, underlining the control of their bowling unit.

Sam Harper has been the standout batter of the tournament to date, scoring 278 runs at an average of 55.6 and a strike rate north of 145. His performances include a match-winning 110 against the Sixers and consistent Powerplay returns that have allowed the Stars to dictate chases rather than scramble.

Marcus Stoinis (153 runs) and Glenn Maxwell have provided support, though Melbourne’s recent losses have coincided with quieter middle-order returns and increased pressure on Harper to bat deep.

With the ball, Peter Siddle and Haris Rauf (12 wickets each) and Tom Curran (10 wickets) have led the attack. Rauf’s pace has been crucial in breaking partnerships through the middle overs. Melbourne’s last two defeats have seen that control slip slightly, conceding higher Powerplay run rates than earlier in the season.

If the Stars return to their early-season bowling discipline, their record suggests they remain a genuine finals threat.

Sydney Sixers Form


Sydney’s 3–3 record masks a clear upward trend, with the Sixers now looking far more settled than during their opening rounds.

After starting the season 1–3, Sydney have responded with consecutive wins built on tighter bowling and improved top-order clarity. Their bowling unit has conceded just 156 and 160 in those victories, a sharp improvement on the 180+ totals leaked earlier in the campaign.

Babar Azam remains the cornerstone of the Sixers’ batting, leading the side with 131 runs at an average of 26.2, including two half centuries. While he has yet to convert into a monster innings, his ability to bat through the Powerplay has stabilised Sydney’s starts.

Bowling remains Sydney’s strength. Jack Edwards (11 wickets) has been consistent all season, while Sean Abbott has rediscovered his rhythm, taking five wickets in the past two matches. The Sixers’ improved defensive efforts late in innings have been the defining difference in their recent wins.

Sydney have historically performed well against Melbourne at the MCG — winning five of the past six there — but recent results against this Stars lineup suggest that trend is under real threat.

Head to Head Stats

Last 5 Matches

26-Dec-2025: Stars won by 7 wickets (with 15 balls remaining)
09-Jan-2025: Stars won by 16 runs
26-Dec-2024: Sixers won by 8 wickets (with 11 balls remaining)
06-Jan-2024: Sixers won by 7 wickets (with 11 balls remaining)
26-Dec-2023: Stars won by 4 wickets (with three balls remaining)

Last 5 Averages


BBL Last 5 Stats

Melbourne Stars Home Stats

Sydney Sixers Away Stats

Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Sixers Frequently Asked Questions

What time does Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Sixers start?

First ball between Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Sixers is at 7:15 PM AEDT at the MCG on Thursday January 8

What channel is Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Sixers on?

You can watch Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Sixers on Channel Seven, Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports.

Verdict

The Stars to halt a two-game slide with Rauf a key contributer. Abbott a dangerman for the Sixers with the ball
Best Bet1: Melbourne Stars Head to Head $1.68 at Elitebet - 1 Unit
Best Bet2: Haris Rauf To Take 2+ Wickets $1.85 at dabble - 1 Unit
Best Bet3: Sean Abbott To Take 2+ Wickets $2.25 at dabble - 1 Unit
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Melbourne Stars v Sydney Sixers

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