2018-19 Women's Big Bash League – Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars Preview & Prediction
AT A GLANCE
When? Saturday 8th December, 03:00 (UK)
Where? West Park Oval
Weather? Mostly clear with some strong breeze and 26c expected
What channel is it on? This match will not be televised live in the UK
Where can I stream the match? This match cannot be streamed in the UK
Are tickets still available? https://www.hobarthurricanes.com.au/tickets#gender=women
THE TEAM NEWS
Hobart Hurricanes
Coach: Salliann Briggs
Captain: Sasha Moloney
- Hobart Hurricanes lost the thrilling opening match of the Women’s Big Bash League as they were beaten by six wickets by the Perth Scorchers with just three balls remaining so they look to pick up their first win here.
- 24-year-old Georgia Redmayne starred in the defeat with a solid 49 runs from 48 balls after Erin Fazackerley scored a rapid 38 from just 16 balls to give them a blistering start and help the Hurricanes set a decent total of 143.
- All three of the Hurricanes’ international signings will make their debuts against Melbourne Stars - injury permitting - after Indian opener Smriti Mandhana, England captain Heather Knight and West Indies star Hayley Matthews were included in the matchday squad and they will give them a massive boost, though Matthews is an injury concern.
Melbourne Stars
Coach: David Hemp
Captain: Erin Osborne
- Melbourne Stars are coming off an impressive victory to open their Women’s Big Bash campaign as they eased to a 7-wicket victory over the Sydney Sixers after chasing down 165/7 with 16 balls remaining.
- Despite being set the imposing figure by the Sixers, South African international Lizelle Lee scored a stunning 102 in just 56 balls and Mignon du Preez added 33 to help the Stars get over the line with relative ease.
- The Stars have named an unchanged squad of 13 to face the Hurricanes which means that vice-captain Erin Osborne will continue to deputise for regular captain Kristen Beams as she recovers from her Achilles injury.
THE PREDICTION
In this year’s Womens Big Bash, the Hobart Hurricanes will be hoping to dramatically improve on their difficult campaign last season. The Tasmanian team finished last in table and only picked up two total wins - one of which came against the Melbourne Stars. Smriti Mandhana and Heather Knight (and potentially Hayley Matthews) could all makes their first starts which should see them compete well against the Stars. The visitors are looking exceptionally strong however based on their opening display and will fancy their chances of another win here.
