Table of Contents
Match and Live Streaming Details
Tournament Name: Big Bash League 2024-25
Match Number: 1st
Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth
Date: 15 Dec, 2024
Time: 1:45 PM IST
Live Streaming: Star Sports Network and Disney+hotstar
Pitch Report of The Optus Stadium for Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Stars:
The pitch at Optus Stadium typically favors fast bowlers with its pace and bounce, making it a challenging surface for batters early on. Spinners often play a secondary role, but those who can vary their pace and trajectory might find some assistance as the game progresses.
For batters, once settled, the surface rewards stroke play, with a quick outfield boosting scoring opportunities. In T20 matches, scores between 160 and 180 are usually considered competitive, offering teams a solid chance to defend or chase successfully.
Records and Key Stats at The Optus Stadium
- Total Matches: 42
- Matches won batting first: 23
- Matches won bowling first: 19
- Average 1st innings Score: 165
Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Stars: Head-to-Head Records
- Total Matches Played: 22
- Perth Scorchers Wins: 14
- Melbourne Stars Wins: 08
- Tie: 00
Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Stars Preview
The Perth Scorchers, five-time BBL champions, enter the tournament as strong favorites to claim the title. They have consistently finished in the top four over the last four seasons. After narrowly missing the finals last year, the Scorchers aim to bounce back with renewed focus.
Ashton Turner leads the side, with Finn Allen and Sam Fanning playing key roles in the batting lineup. Although Mitchell Marsh misses out due to national duties, Andrew Tye and Jason Behrendorff bolster a formidable pace attack. Will the Scorchers secure their sixth BBL title this season?
The Melbourne Stars, still chasing their first BBL title, head into the 2024-25 season under the leadership of Marcus Stoinis. After finishing sixth last season due to an uncompetitive lineup, the Stars now look stronger and more balanced.
Glenn Maxwell is set to play a pivotal role with the bat but will miss the opening fixture. On the bowling front, Mark Steketee and Joel Paris will lead the attack, compensating for the absence of Scott Boland, who remains with Australia’s Test squad for the Border-Gavaskar Series. Can the Stars finally break their title drought this season?
Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Stars Predicted XI
Perth Scorchers: Finn Allen, Cooper Connolly, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis (WK), Ashton Turner (C), Nick Hobson, Ashton Agar, Jhye Richardson, Andrew Tye, Jason Behrendorff, Lance Morris
Melbourne Stars: Sam Harper (WK), Tom Rogers, Cambpell Kellaway, Marcus Stoinis (C), Hilton Cartwright, Beau Webster, Tom Curran, Brody Couch, Mark Steketee, Joel Paris, Hamish McKenzie
Dream 11 Fantasy Top Picks from Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Stars
PERTH SCORCHERS
- Aaron Hardie: A dependable player for the Scorchers, Aaron Hardie amassed 334 runs last season at an impressive average of 37.1. His consistent performances make him an automatic choice for any fantasy cricket lineup.
- Josh Inglis: The dynamic wicketkeeper-batter scored 238 runs last season, averaging 34. His ability to stabilize innings and accelerate when needed makes him a smart pick for fantasy players.
- Laurie Evans: Laurie Evans proved his worth as a power hitter, smashing 292 runs last season at an incredible strike rate of 189. His versatility in the batting order adds significant value to his selection.
MELBOURNE STARS
- Marcus Stoinis: With the added responsibility of leading in Glenn Maxwell’s absence, Stoinis will be crucial with both bat and ball. His all-round skills and ability to handle pressure make him indispensable.
- Hilton Cartwright: Known for his middle-order stability, Cartwright scored 209 runs last season at a strike rate of 151. His finishing abilities and composure under pressure will be key for the Stars this season.
- Beau Webster: An impactful all-rounder, Webster notched up 262 runs and took 6 wickets last season. His contributions with both bat and ball make him a versatile and essential pick for fantasy teams.
Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Stars: C/VC Picks for the Dream 11 Fantasy Teams
Small Leagues: Josh Inglis, Ashton Turner, Beau Webster, Andrew Tye
Grand Leagues: Aaron Hardie, Marcus Stoinis
Dream 11 Fantasy Team for Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Stars
Wicketkeepers: Josh Inglis
Batters: Ashton Turner, Hilton Cartwright, Tom Rogers
All-rounders: Marcus Stoinis, Beau Webster, Aaron Hardie, Tom Curran
Bowlers: Jhye Richardson, Andrew Tye, Jason Behrendorff