Big Bash League 2018-19: Semi-final 1, Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars: Dream11 Prediction, Playing XI Updates & Fantasy Cricket Tips - February 14th, 2019

After almost 45 days of riveting action in the Big Bash League, it is now down to four teams in the competition with Melbourne Stars travelling to the Blundstone Arena as they take on table-toppers, Hobart Hurricanes.

Although their relative positions in the league table do not count for anything in this knockout game, Hobart Hurricanes have by far been the standout team in the competition with D'Arcy Short and Matthew Wade going berserk at the top of the order for them.

On the other hand, the Stars were able to claw themselves into the final after a virtuoso performance with the ball in their previous game and will be banking on captain, Glenn Maxwell once again to propel them to a BBL final spot.

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Squads to choose from:

Melbourne Stars:

Michael Beer, Jackson Bird, Scott Boland, Liam Bowe, Dwayne Bravo, Jackson Coleman, Travis Dean, Ben Dunk, Seb Gotch, Evan Gulbis, Peter Handscomb, Sandeep Lamichhane, Nic Maddinson, Glenn Maxwell, Jonathan Merlo, Marcus Stoinis, Daniel Worrall, Adam Zampa, Tom O'Donnell.

Hobart Hurricanes:

Jofra Archer, George Bailey, Qais Ahmed, Alex Doolan, Jake Doran, James Faulkner, Caleb Jewell, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Simon Milenko, Tymal Mills, David Moody, Tim Paine, Tom Rogers, Clive Rose, D'Arcy Short, Aaron Summers, Matthew Wade.

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Playing XI Updates

Hobart Hurricanes:

James Faulkner is back for the Hurricanes and should slot in at the expense of David Moody. Riley Meredith has been expensive in his last couple of outings for the Hurricanes although he should be backed once again after a stellar season with them.

The onus is once again on their dynamic opening duo of Wade and Short while the middle order of Milenko, Bailey and McDermott are also capable of damage of the same sorts.

Possible XI: Wade(C&WK), Short, Jewell, McDermott, Bailey, Milenko, Faulkner, Archer, Qais, Meredith and Rose.

Melbourne Stars:

The Stars side is blessed with a number of experienced international players and will be banking on them to get them over the line on Thursday. Marcus Stoinis has been their standout player with over 400 runs to his name at the top of the order.

Glenn Maxwell's all-round show week saw them seal a semi-final spot and with the likes of Pete Handscomb and Nic Maddinson also looming large, there is no limit to their potential. Sandeep Lamichhane's four overs could define the outcome of the match with his knack for wicket-taking already evident in his previous outings.

Possible XI: Stoinis, Dunk, Handscomb (WK), Maxwell(C), Maddinson, Bravo, Gotch, Zampa, Bird, Worrall and Lamichhane.

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Fantasy Tips and Suggestions:

Wicket-keeper: Matthew Wade's form has been stunning over the past two weeks with the former Stars keeper scoring 590 runs so far this season. He would be an obvious choice for this spot although Peter Handscomb isn't a bad option after all with his ability known to one and all.

Batsmen: Ben McDermott and Glenn Maxwell are the cornerstones of their respective batting units and have been in good touch as well. Along with young, Caleb Jewell and Nic Maddinson, both of them are great options to have in the team. Ben Dunk could also be tried considering his penchant for boundaries in the powerplay overs.

All-rounders: Marcus Stoinis and D'Arcy Short have been the best players in BBL 2018-19 with piles of runs and heaps of wickets behind them. Short has scored 602 runs this season while his leg-spin has certainly caught the eye of many. Both of them are invaluable picks to a fantasy side that is to be based around them. Either James Faulkner or Dwayne Bravo could also slot in for their respective team-mates in order to obtain better balance in the side.

Bowlers: Riley Meredith and Sandeep Lamichhane have had breakout years in the BBL this season with their skill shining throughout the whole tournament. Meredith has picked up 16 wickets this season while young, Sandeep has 11 wickets in just six matches for the Stars. Their form justifies their selections along with the likes of Qais Ahmed and Daniel Worrall, who have shown promise in the last couple of matches.

Captain: Marcus Stoinis and D'Arcy Short are the ideal candidates on a good pitch to have as captain although there is a shortage in credible options with the likes of Pete Handscomb and Matthew Wade. Glenn Maxwell's virtuoso performance last Sunday could also hold him up in high regards and could be chosen as captain as well.

Fantasy Suggestion #1: Matthew Wade(WK), Glenn Maxwell, Nic Maddinson, Ben McDermott, Caleb Jewell, Marcus Stoinis, D'Arcy Short, Qais Ahmed, Daniel Worrall, Riley Meredith and Sandeep Lamichhane. Captain: Marcus Stoinis

Fantasy Suggestion #2: Peter Handscomb (WK), Glenn Maxwell, George Bailey, Ben McDermott, Caleb Jewell, Marcus Stoinis, James Faulkner, Sandeep Lamichhane, Jofra Archer, Jackson Bird and Riley Meredith. Captain: Peter Handscomb

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