HH vs MS Knockout Match Preview – Big Bash League 2026, Live Streaming, Pitch Report, Fantasy Picks

The Big Bash League 2026 is reaching its most intense phase as we move into a knockout clash at the picturesque Bellerive Oval, Hobart. On January 21, 2026, the Hobart Hurricanes (HH) will host the Melbourne Stars (MS) in a do-or-die encounter, where the winner advances to the next stage, and the loser’s campaign comes to an abrupt end.

Both teams have shown flashes of brilliance but have lacked consistency. With star all-rounders, lethal death bowlers, and in-form wicketkeeper batters on both sides, this knockout promises high drama, pressure moments, and massive fantasy points.

Match Details

• Match: Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars – Knockout Match
• Tournament: Big Bash League 2026
• Date: 21 January 2026
• Time: 1:45 PM IST | 7:15 PM Local
• Venue: Bellerive Oval, Hobart

Live Streaming & Broadcast Details

• Live Streaming (India): JioHotstar App & Website
• Live Telecast: Star Sports Network
• Australia: Fox Cricket & Kayo Sports
• Other Regions: Official BBL digital partners

Weather Report – Hobart

Hobart is expected to offer ideal cricketing conditions.

• Temperature: 18°C – 22°C
• Conditions: Breezy evening
• Rain: Very low chance

The breeze often helps swing bowlers early, especially under lights, making the powerplay phase crucial.

Pitch Report & Venue Stats – Bellerive Oval

Bellerive Oval is known as a batting-friendly venue, but recent numbers show strong support for fast bowlers.

• Average Score (Last 5 Matches): 174
• Pacer Wickets: 44
• Spinner Wickets: 24

Pitch Insight: The surface offers good bounce and carry. Batters can score freely once set, but new-ball swing and death-over pace bowling play a decisive role. Spinners have had limited impact here recently.

Team Form & Head-to-Head

• Hobart Hurricanes: W L W L W
• Melbourne Stars: L W L W L

Head-to-Head Record: Melbourne Stars lead 11–6, but knockout matches often rewrite history.

Injury Updates & Player Availability

• Hobart Hurricanes: No major injury concerns
• Melbourne Stars: Full squad available
• Doubtful Players: None reported

Both teams are expected to field their strongest XIs for this knockout clash.

Probable Playing XI (One-Line Format)

Hobart Hurricanes: Ben McDermott (wk), Caleb Jewell, Nikhil Chaudhary, Beau Webster, Tim David, Corey Anderson, Nathan Ellis (c), Patrick Dooley, Riley Meredith, Chris Jordan, Billy Stanlake

Melbourne Stars: Sam Harper (wk), Joe Clarke, Marcus Stoinis (c), Glenn Maxwell, Tom Curran, Hilton Cartwright, Nick Larkin, Haris Rauf, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Joel Paris, Adam Zampa

Key Players to Watch

• Marcus Stoinis (MS): Elite all-rounder, bowls key overs and bats in the top order
• Beau Webster (HH): Consistent fantasy performer with bat + ball
• Haris Rauf (MS): Death-over strike bowler, lethal on this surface
• Ben McDermott (HH): Reliable wicketkeeper batter in big matches
• Nathan Ellis (HH): Specialist death bowler, high wicket potential

Fantasy Picks

Small League Picks

• Marcus Stoinis
• Beau Webster
• Ben McDermott
• Nathan Ellis

Mega League Differentials

• Haris Rauf
• Sam Harper
• Tom Curran

Match Prediction / Outlook

This knockout clash is finely balanced. Melbourne Stars have the edge on paper with superior all-round depth, but Hobart Hurricanes’ home advantage and death bowling could tilt the match their way. Expect a high-scoring thriller, where death overs and pressure handling decide who moves on to the next round.

Disclaimer

This article is based on pitch data, recent form, and expected conditions. Fantasy cricket involves financial risk and depends on real-time factors such as toss and final team selection. Please play responsibly and use your own judgment.