MR vs SS Dream11 Prediction – Match 18, Big Bash League 2025-26
Melbourne Renegades (MR) will face Sydney Sixers (SS) in Match 18 of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 at Marvel Stadium, Melbourne on 01 January 2026. Both sides are looking to boost their standings in the early phase of the BBL season, and with both teams hungry for a win, this clash promises high-intensity T20 action.
Match Details
- Match: Melbourne Renegades vs Sydney Sixers
- Match No: 18
- Tournament: Big Bash League 2025-26
- Date & Time: 01 January 2026, early morning (IST)
- Venue: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne, Australia
- Match Type: T20 Cricket (20 overs per side)
Match Preview
The Big Bash League (BBL) is Australia’s top domestic T20 franchise competition featuring eight teams competing over a group stage and playoffs format.
Melbourne Renegades have mixed results so far, with glimpses of strong batting but inconsistency in closing out games. Opener Josh Brown and Tim Seifert have shown attacking intent, while middle-order stability from Mohammad Rizwan adds balance. Their bowling attack includes Adam Zampa and Jason Behrendorff, offering control and wicket-taking opportunities.
Sydney Sixers are a traditionally formidable unit in the BBL, although they have faced some early setbacks this season. Featuring a blend of international stars and experienced domestic players, Sixers’ lineup strives for consistency with both bat and ball. Players like Babar Azam and Josh Philippe have the talent to influence the game significantly.
Pitch Report
Marvel Stadium in Melbourne generally offers a balanced T20 surface.
- New ball assists seamers early
- Pitch settles for batters in middle overs
- Chasing teams often find conditions favorable
- Competitive scores around 160–190 expected on a good day
Conditions suit both batters and bowlers, but early wickets can tilt the contest. Dew might play a role if chasing in the second innings.
Weather Report
- Conditions: Clear skies expected
- Temperature: Around mid-20s °C
- Rain: Minimal chance of interruption
- Wind: Light
Stable weather conditions should allow a full 20-over match without delays.
Probable Playing 11
Melbourne Renegades (MR)
- Josh Brown – Aggressive opener
- Tim Seifert (WK) – Powerplay scorer
- Mohammad Rizwan – Middle-order anchor
- Jake Fraser-McGurk – Hard-hitting bat
- Oliver Peake – Utility player
- Hassan Khan – All-rounder
- Will Sutherland (C) – Captain and bowling option
- Adam Zampa – Spin specialist
- Jason Behrendorff – Death bowling expert
- Gurinder Sandhu – Seamer
- Andrew Tye – Death bowling support
Sydney Sixers (SS)
- Babar Azam – Top-order batter
- Josh Philippe (WK) – Aggressive stroke maker
- Moises Henriques – Middle order experience
- Daniel Hughes – Steady batter
- Jack Edwards – Finisher
- Ben Dwarshuis – Fast bowling threat
- Joel Davies – Support bowler
- Charles Stobo – All-round option
- Mitchell Perry – Seam support
- Todd Murphy – Spin match-up option
- Sean Abbott – Lead pacer
Top Fantasy Picks
Melbourne Renegades
- Josh Brown: Explosive top-order batter with high floor
- Tim Seifert: Keeper-batter with boundary potential
- Adam Zampa: Key wicket-taking spin option
Sydney Sixers
- Babar Azam: Premium batter with big scoring upside
- Josh Philippe: Aggressive hitter in powerplay & middle overs
- Ben Dwarshuis: Leading pace bowler with strike potential
Dream11 Captain & Vice-Captain Options
- Captain (C): Josh Brown — strong top-order performance potential
- Vice-Captain (VC): Babar Azam — premium run-scorer option
Suggested Dream11 Team
Wicket-Keepers:
- Tim Seifert (MR)
- Josh Philippe (SS)
Batters:
- Josh Brown (C, MR)
- Babar Azam (SS)
- Mohammad Rizwan (MR)
All-Rounders:
- Will Sutherland (MR)
- Charles Stobo (SS)
Bowlers:
- Adam Zampa (MR)
- Ben Dwarshuis (SS)
- Jason Behrendorff (MR)
- Todd Murphy (SS)
Balanced team with aggressive batters, quality spinners, and strike bowlers.
Winning Prediction
This match is expected to be closely contested, but Sydney Sixers hold a slight edge due to their experience and depth in batting and bowling, even though they’ve had a mixed start to the season. If Seifert and Brown fire early for Renegades, they can put pressure on the Sixers. Conversely, Sixers’ batting firepower through Babar Azam and Josh Philippe makes them marginal favourites in this encounter.
Winning Chances:
- Sydney Sixers: 53%
- Melbourne Renegades: 47%
