The 2021 Australian Big Bash League continues with an “all-Melbourne” matchup between the Renegades and the Stars. The match will be played on Wednesday January 20th, 2021 at approximately 4:15am EST. The Marvel Stadium in Melbourne plays host to the teams and has traditionally been a “batter friendly” wicket. This is a match between the 4th placed team (Stars) and the last placed team (Renegades). Will current form prevail or will the Renegades pull off the upset?

Melbourne Renegades have had a poor start to the BBL season and find themselves languishing at the bottom of the table. With just 2 wins out of their 11 matches, their season is effectively over barring a miracle. They have solid international players such as Shawn Marsh (their leading run scorer this season) and Aaron Finch, but Finch has largely been disappointing this season. They simply don’t have a well-rounded team this year and the results have shown. 

The Melbourne Stars had a sluggish start to the season but have recently dragged themselves up the table into the qualification spots with some good results. Currently sitting in 4th place, they will be eager to win here and consolidate their position in the top 4. Captain Glenn Maxwell has been leading from the front with the bat and along with Marcus Stoinis has been impressive thus far. West Indies International Andre Fletcher has also found form recently with the bat with an impressive 89 not out in their last match, a win over the Adelaide Strikers. Those three batsmen along with Adam Zampa their leading bowler have been instrumental for them this season. They will be very confident given their recent performances and will definitely back themselves to extend their winning streak. 

This match looks relatively simple on paper and should result in a straightforward win for the Melbourne Stars. They are simply the better team in most departments and the Renegades have been hugely disappointing. They lack the star power to compete here and that will show. Melbourne Stars to win quite comfortably.