Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars Preview Dream11. HBH vs MLS Preview Dream11 Prediction
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BBL Semi Final #1: Thursday 14th February, 7:30pm AEST.
53 days. 56 games. The BBL08 Finals are finally here.
Hobart Hurricanes finished the group stage in top position, deservedly so as the most consistent side by a country mile. When you consider the inconsistent Sydney Sixers threw away second place, and inconsistent Melbourne Renegades took their place, it is easy to note who has been the best side. However, the nature of finals cricket means that all it takes is one bad day to finish the season empty-handed, so now is where it all counts for the Hurricanes. Will they make their second straight Final?
Melbourne Stars stepped up under pressure in their final game, thrashing Sydney Sixers to qualify for the semi finals. That they were so close to missing out altogether was cause for huge nerves, possessing a squad that is capable of going all the way. Their end-of-season form, with a full squad on deck, was patchy, but they have a huge win behind them. Can the star-studded lineup cause heartbreak for Hobart Hurricanes?
Key to a Hobart Hurricanes win
D’Arcy Short (602) and Matthew Wade (590) finished the regular season as leading run scorers. There is no doubt these two will be key at the top in overcoming Jackson Bird and Daniel Worrall, both capable of moving the ball. Also, a platform is crucial given the Stars’ impressive spin attack, with Adam Zampa and Sandeep Lamichhane coming off confidence-boosting efforts after an awful night in Brisbane. The last thing the Hurricanes will want is two new batsmen facing the spinners, Marcus Stoinis and Dwayne Bravo right away, so will Ben McDermott and George Bailey walk into a game situation where a platform has been set? Will James Faulkner be needed with the bat? If so, can he deliver?
He may not be needed to bat, but Faulkner is certainly needed with the ball. Riley Meredith has fallen away badly, and Jofra Archer is capable of reaching greater heights, which highlights the Hurricanes’ need for greater bowling prowess in the big games. Can they overcome the likes of Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell, raising the pressure on out-of-form Ben Dunk and Nic Maddinson? Will James Faulkner deliver early wickets in which the likes of Archer and Qais Ahmad can follow up on? In a big game, regular wickets are crucial.
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Key to a Melbourne Stars win
It was a nervy batting performance in the final game against Sydney Sixers until Glenn Maxwell went berzerk. He was brilliant, and will be key again, along with Marcus Stoinis at the top. However, can Ben Dunk deliver this time at a ground he has good memories at when he played for Hobart Hurricanes? Will Peter Handscomb use his time in the middle on Sunday for a more free-flowing innings? Do the Stars take a chance on Nic Maddinson, who can’t buy a run at the moment? Against the best side, the Stars need not only Stoinis and Maxwell to contribute, but a big effort from their top six to maximise runs on the board.
Also, what kind of day will it be for the Stars bowlers? After conceding 158 in ten overs against the Heat, they blew the Sixers away for 74. Jackson Bird and Daniel Worrall will be crucial in the early overs, along with Marcus Stoinis in attempting to dislodge the strong Hurricanes’ opening pair early. With the Stars possessing a plethora of quality bowling options, including Adam Zampa and Sandeep Lamichhane, regular wickets might be too difficult for the Hurricanes to recover effectively from. Can the Stars put pressure on the Hurricanes’ middle order in a pressure game?
Possible Playing 11
James Faulkner is back in the squad, and could replace the out-of-form Riley Meredith.
Hobart Hurricanes: 1. Matthew Wade (c & wk), 2. D’Arcy Short, 3. Caleb Jewell, 4. Ben McDermott, 5. George Bailey, 6. Simon Milenko, 7. James Faulkner, 8. Jofra Archer, 9. David Moody/Riley Meredith, 10. Clive Rose, 11. Qais Ahmad
With a good mix of pace and spin, the Stars could stick with the same XI that demolished Sydney Sixers. However, will Nick Maddinson be persisted with? Nick Larkin has come into the squad.
Melbourne Stars: 1. Ben Dunk, 2. Marcus Stoinis, 3. Peter Handscomb (wk), 4. Glenn Maxwell (c), 5. Nic Maddinson, 6. Seb Gotch, 7. Dwayne Bravo, 8. Adam Zampa, 9. Daniel Worrall, 10. Sandeep Lamichhane, 11. Jackson Bird
Also read: Kashmir vs English Willow. When can Kashmir be a good option?
Dream11 Prediction
Option 1:
Option 2:
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Stats and Facts
- Hobart Hurricanes beat Melbourne Stars twice in the BBL08 Group Stage.
- D’Arcy Short and Matthew Wade are the top two leading run scorers in BBL08.
- Melbourne Stars have reached just one BBL Final. They were knocked out in the semi-finals BBL03 by Hobart Hurricanes after winning all eight games in the regular season.
Match Prediction
What a terrific game this promises to be.
A lot depends on the final squads in making a decision, but I have a sneaky feeling about this one. The Stars have what it takes to target the Hurricanes’ bowling attack, and could be successful.
Stars to win in a mighty upset!
Thanks for reading!
Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars Preview Dream11. HBH vs MLS Preview Dream11 Prediction
