The BBL 2025-2026 season moves on to its 5th match. Melbourne Stars (MLS) play Hobart Hurricanes (HBH) at the MCG on December 18, 2025. The Stars are entering the game with energy. They want to make a strong statement in their season opener. The Hurricanes head into the clash feeling good after a thrilling opening win. They have a strong and balanced team backing them up. Both sides have momentum and key players, so fans can look forward to an exciting battle under the lights. We’ll cover expert betting tips, team performance, pitch details, head-to-head records, and the MLS vs HBH BBL 5th match prediction. Who will win today’s BBL match?
Today Match Winning Percentage
Team Performance
Melbourne Stars:
The Melbourne Stars are ready to take on the Hobart Hurricanes tomorrow night at the MCG, and it should be a cracker of a match to start BBL|15.
Marcus Stoinis has got a pretty handy squad at his disposal. You've got Glenn Maxwell who can turn a game on its head in five overs, Hilton Cartwright who's solid with both bat and ball, and Pete Siddle still doing his thing. The overseas boys – Joe Clarke, Tom Curran, and Haris Rauf – are all back too, which gives them some real firepower.
Mitch Swepson might finally get a game for the Stars, and honestly, they could use a leggie who can take wickets in the middle overs. It's a shame about Mark Steketee's hamstring keeping him out, but these things happen.
Look, it's the first game of the season against the defending champs at the MCG. The Stars haven't exactly set the world on fire in recent years, but this squad's got enough talent to cause problems. If they can get Maxwell and Stoinis firing and the bowlers can keep it tight, they're a chance. Should be a good night of cricket either way.
Hobart Hurricanes:
The Hobart Hurricanes opened BBL|15 in style, defeating the Sydney Thunder with a composed all-round display that showed their championship credentials remain intact.
After winning the toss, Nathan Ellis led from the front as his bowling unit restricted Thunder to 181. Billy Stanlake made an immediate impact on his return with early power play wickets, while Chris Jordan's experience through the middle overs kept the pressure on throughout.
The chase showcased Hobart's batting depth perfectly. Mitch Owen set the tone with an aggressive start, allowing Nikhil Chaudhary and Ben McDermott to build momentum. Matthew Wade's calm finishing and Jordan's late contribution sealed a thrilling victory with just one ball remaining, exactly the kind of close-game composure that defined their title run.
Jackson Bird has been added to the squad for their second match, strengthening the pace attack. With Jake Weatherald and Beau Webster still on Ashes duty, the current XI has proven it can deliver when it matters.
The Hurricanes head into Match 5 of BBL|15 with confidence, balance across all departments, and the winning mentality that makes them a threat to any opposition.
Weather Condition:
- Temperature: 10.2°C
- Humidity: 71%
- Rain: 75% Rain of chance
- Wind direction: WSW
- Wind speed: 14.8KPH
Pitch Report: Melbourne Cricket Ground
The MCG will have a fair pitch for the match. And early help will be there for pace bowlers. The new ball should create movement and bounce. Batters can get comfortable as the game goes on. Spinners, however, might not have much effect unless they bowl well. Evening dew helps with chasing. Historically, teams batting second have done well at the MCG. For first-innings teams, a competitive total would be around 160-170 in BBL matches.
Also, check live cricket betting odds on trusted cricket betting sites.
MLS vs HBH – Probable Playing XI (BBL 5th Match 2025-26)
| Melbourne Stars Playing XI | Hobart Hurricanes Playing XI |
|---|---|
| Thomas Fraser Rogers | Mitchell Owen |
| Joe Clarke | Nikhil Chaudhary |
| Sam Harper (WK) | Ben McDermott |
| Marcus Stoinis (C) | Tim David |
| Glenn Maxwell | Matthew Wade (WK) |
| Hilton Cartwright | Rehan Ahmed |
| Tom Curran | Chris Jordan |
| Liam Hatcher | Nathan Ellis (C) |
| Haris Rauf | Riley Meredith |
| Peter Siddle | Billy Stanlake |
| Mitchell Swepson | Jackson Bird |
Today match Prediction: Team batting second are favourites to win today’s BBL fifth Match 2025-26.
Today’s cricket betting tips for MLS vs HBH BBL 5th Match 2025-26
- Who will win the toss Today: MLS win the toss and elect to Bowl first.
- Top Batter Performance: Tim David
- Top Bowler Performance: Peter Siddle
- Cricket betting tips: MLS are favourites to win today’s BBL fifth Match 2025.
Disclaimer: The author provides this prediction based on analysis, research, and personal opinion. This content is for informational purposes only. Use it as a guide and make your own decisions before betting or drawing conclusions.