Big Bash League 2018-19: Semi-final 1, Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars | Preview, Team News, Key Players & Predicted Playing XI

Preview

Hobart Hurricanes are set to host Melbourne Stars for the first semi-final of the Big Bash League 2018-19 at the Bellerive Oval, Hobart. The stage is set for the grand opening of the semi-final phase after the end of league fixtures.

Both the teams will lock horns for the third time in this season with Hobart Hurricanes winning both the previous games comprehensively. The home side won the first encounter at the same venue by 6 wickets while they defeated the Stars by 57 runs in the second meeting at the MCG.

The table toppers, Hobart Hurricanes, would be eyeing to maintain the same kind of dominant performance as they have maintained throughout the season.

The onus will yet again be on the Bash Brothers to deliver in a do-or-die situation. Matthew Wade and D Arcy Short have scored the majority of runs for the Hurricanes in this campaign so far and they will surely arrive with all guns blazing to put their opponents on the back foot from the word go.

The visitors, though, would be hoping for an act of revenge in this must-win contest. Having lost both the previous encounters, Melbourne Stars have a score to settle when they take on Hobart Hurricanes in the first semi-final.

Glenn Maxwell & Co. will definitely come out with a plan to spoil Hobart’s party in the upcoming contest and both the sides will do whatever it takes to book their berth in the finals.

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Game Details

Date: Thursday, February 14, 2019

Time: 2 PM IST

Venue: Bellerive Oval, Hobart

League: Big Bash League 2018-19

Live Telecast: Sony Network

Online Streaming: Sonyliv.com

Recent Form

Hobart Hurricanes: L W L W L

Melbourne Stars: W W L L W

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Team News

Hobart Hurricanes:

- They have announced their 13-player squad for this match and have made one change.

- James Faulkner returns to the squad to replace Tom Rogers.

We've made one change to our squad of 13 for tomorrow night's Semi-Final: https://t.co/1EBosBkWsE.#TasmaniasTeam #BBL08 #BBLFinals pic.twitter.com/jkFBjnxw2n

— Hobart Hurricanes (@HurricanesBBL) February 13, 2019

Melbourne Stars

- Melbourne Stars has announced their 13-player squad for this match as well and they have also made one change.

- Jackson Coleman will miss out from the crucial encounter due to an injury.

- Nick Larkin comes in to replace him.

Squads

Hobart Hurricanes:

Matthew Wade (C), Qais Ahmad, Jofra Archer, George Bailey, Alex Doolan, James Faulkner, Caleb Jewell, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Simon Milenko, David Moody, Clive Rose, D Arcy Short.

Melbourne Stars:

Glenn Maxwell (C), Jackson Bird, Dwayne Bravo, Ben Dunk, Seb Gotch, Evan Gulbis, Peter Handscomb, Sandeep Lamichhane, Nick Larkin, Nic Maddinson, Marcus Stoinis, Dan Worrall, Adam Zampa.

Key Players

Hobart Hurricanes:

- Matthew Wade(w/c)

- D Arcy Short

- James Faulkner

Melbourne Stars:

- Glenn Maxwell

- Marcus Stoinis

- Nic Maddinson

Probable Playing XI

Hobart Hurricanes: Matthew Wade(w/c), D Arcy Short, Caleb Jewell, Ben McDermott, George Bailey, Simon Milenko, Jofra Archer, Clive Rose, James Faulkner, Riley Meredith, Qais Ahmad.

Melbourne Stars: Ben Dunk, Marcus Stoinis, Peter Handscomb(w), Glenn Maxwell(c), Nic Maddinson, Dwayne Bravo, Seb Gotch, Jackson Bird, Adam Zampa, Sandeep Lamichhane, Daniel Worrall.