By Zainab Shafiq 
Match Details
- Fixture: Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Stars, Knockout, BBL 2024-25
- Date & Time: Wednesday, January 22, 2025, 1:30 PM PST | 8:30 AM GMT | 7:30 PM Local
- Venue: Sydney Showground Stadium, Sydney
Match Preview
The Sydney Thunder will take on the Melbourne Stars in the Knockout match of the BBL 2024-25 at the Sydney Showground Stadium. The stakes are high as the winner of this match will face the Sydney Sixers in the Challenger. The Sixers fell short in the Qualifier against the dominant Hobart Hurricanes, who have already secured a place in the final.
The Thunder finished third on the points table, showcasing consistent performances throughout the league stage. Led by the experienced David Warner, they possess a solid lineup capable of excelling under pressure. Meanwhile, the Stars finished fourth, relying on the all-round brilliance of Marcus Stoinis and the destructive power of Glenn Maxwell to get them through to this stage.
With a place in the final on the line, both teams are expected to bring their A-game to this do-or-die contest.
Pitch Report
The Sydney Showground Stadium offers a balanced pitch, but it tends to favor bowlers in night games. Pacers will get early movement with the new ball, while spinners may find grip in the middle overs. Batters will need to settle in before playing their shots. A score of around 160-170 could prove competitive.
Weather Report
The weather in Sydney is expected to be clear, with temperatures ranging between 22-24°C during the game. There is no forecast of rain, ensuring an uninterrupted match.
Squads & Probable Playing XI
Melbourne Stars
Probable XI: Sam Harper (wk), Thomas Fraser Rogers, Marcus Stoinis (c), Glenn Maxwell, Peter Handscomb, Hilton Cartwright, Tom Curran, Joel Paris, Usama Mir, Mark Steketee, Peter Siddle
Sydney Thunder
Probable XI: David Warner (c), Hugh Weibgen, Matthew Gilkes, Sam Billings (wk), George Garton, Chris Green, Tom Andrews, Tanveer Sangha, Nathan McAndrew, Mohammad Hasnain, Wes Agar
Dream11 Team Prediction
- Wicketkeepers: Sam Harper, Sam Billings
- Batters: David Warner, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell
- All-Rounders: George Garton, Tom Curran
- Bowlers: Tanveer Sangha, Mohammad Hasnain, Usama Mir, Mark Steketee
Where to Watch BBL 2024-25 Match 40?
South Africa: SuperSport
Australia: Fox Cricket, Kayo Sports, Channel 7
India: Disney+ Hotstar, Star Sports Network
UK: Sky Sports
New Zealand: SKY NZ
USA & Canada: Willow TV
Also, see:
BCCI makes Champions Trophy 2025 more controversial: No Pakistan written on Indian jerseys