MLS vs ADS Dream11 Prediction – BBL 2025-26 34th Match Preview, Pitch Report, Playing XI, Fantasy Tips & Who Will Win?

The Big Bash League 2025-26 ignites further as Melbourne Stars host Adelaide Strikers in the high-voltage 34th game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on January 13, 2026. The game will kick off at 1:45 pm IST (7:15 p.m. local time). Bettors and fans of fantasy cricket are excited, with the third-placed Stars having a clear advantage over the Strikers in sixth place heading to next week’s MCG blockbuster.

Stars have been awe-inspiring, with five wins in eight games, scoring 10 points and a healthy +0.909 Net run rate, which confirms their dominance. Their recent performance shows significant resilience: a win, a loss, and a loss followed by a victory, highlighting the depth of their batting, which is dominated by Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis. The Strikers, on the other hand, are further behind, with just three wins in eight matches, equating to six points, and a worrying NRR of -0.420. The five games they have played in the last five weeks show inconsistent play: loss, win, win, loss, defeat; however, Ollie Pope, as well as Jamie Overton, could spark a change in the direction of their team.

The MCG pitch will be a treat for batsmen, with its short boundaries and good bounce making chases easier and often leading to scores above 170. Dew in the evening could change the game’s dynamics, and the Stars are slightly favored to win by a margin of 8-10 runs.

For success in Dream11, these fantasy cricket tips can help you build a balanced team. For all-round value, be sure to include Marcus Stoinis (a great option for captain or vice-captain), Glenn Maxwell, and Jamie Overton in your team. The betting odds are slightly in favor of the Melbourne Stars, at 1.65, but the difference is minimal. The Adelaide Strikers, available at 2.20, remain an attractive option. Always check the final playing XI, pitch report, and toss result before finalizing your fantasy team.

Melbourne Stars vs Adelaide Strikers – Match Details

Prepare yourself and get ready for the Melbourne Stars vs Adelaide Strikers match prediction for the 34th match of BBL 2025-26. The match will be played at the renowned Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne. The crucial match will begin on the 13th of January 2026 at 1:45 pm IST, 8:15 am GMT, or 7:15 pm local time. It is the time to be in a prime position for the Stars against Strikers today’s game excitement.

Match Detail	Info
Tournament	BBL 2025-26, 34th Match
Date	January 13, 2026
Venue	Melbourne Cricket Ground
Time (IST)	1:45 PM
Time (GMT)	8:15 AM
Time (Local)	7:15 PM

With the playoffs on the horizon, it is a must-win game: Stars, sitting third, are in need of wins to cement their top four spots. Strikers in sixth battle to climb the ladder to keep from being eliminated. The forecast for the weather is clear with little risk of rain, temperatures in the 22-degree range, and evening dew favoring batsman-friendly chasers on the MCG deck.

Buckle up for a thrilling game as the Stars’ power clashes with the Strikers’ gritty, bringing dramatic high-scoring and fantasy gold. Our BBL 2026 forecast puts the Stars ahead; however, don’t be fooled by the weaker side!

MLS vs ADS Team Previews

MLS Team Analysis – Strengths, Weaknesses & Key Players

MLS sit comfortably third in the BBL 2025-26 standings. They have five wins in eight games, they have a total of 10 points, and an amazing +0.909 per game net rate, which is a reflection of their incredible potential. Their current form is an unbreakable pattern of win-losing, loss-winning, loss–demonstrating bounce-back capability following a mid-season slump. They are now front-runners for the playoffs ahead of their need to win the final game of their season against STR at home.

Batting depth is their strongest point, and they have an an explosive top-order with power-hitters who are who can dominate powerplays on the MCG’s flat tracks. Opening players set up aggressive platforms, often surpassing 70-80 in the first six overs, and finishers like late-order dynamos can provide speed in the last overs, boosting totals above 180 frequently. But middle-order consistency remains an issue that is evident. In the past, collapses have been observed when top-order fireworks do not convert, exposing their vulnerability under the pressure of quality spin in the middle.

The bowling attack mixes speed and firepower, as well as new spin options. Fast bowlers benefit from MCG’s bounce and can target yorkers and short ball effectively and spinners manage middle overs despite occasional leaks in economy. The home advantage at the MCG gives them an advantage. Stars boast 60 percent or more win rate, benefiting from huge boundaries and the energy of the crowd. The fielding standards are among the best with speedy captures and direct hits turning into close games.

Key Players to Watch – MLS

Captain Glenn Maxwell orchestrates everything, mixing destructive batsmen (strike rate of more than 160) with a nifty off-spin, so expect him to be a Captain Gold in fantasy. Bats who use powerplay set the pace fast, and speed specialists who bowl death-over are able to nail yorkers under light. All-rounders are a match-winning force and balance the line-up to achieve Dream11 the perfect match.

STR Team Analysis – Squad Balance & Match Readiness

STR languish in sixth place in BBL 2025-26, with only three wins from eight games with six points, and a shaky -0.420 Net run rate, which reveals their weaknesses. The recent trend in their performance shows a pattern of inconsistent performance: win loss, win, loss, loss. This leaves their hopes of making the playoffs hanging by a thread, as they desperately require wins against elite teams such as MLS to stay alive. The away game at MCG will be a assessment of the team’s match fitness and team balance. be scrutinized in the face of pressure.

The batting lineup displays adaptability by having anchors that are flexible and top-order who are able to rebuild after initial shocks, before transforming into powerful finishers that can achieve late acceleration on pitches that are true. However, an overreliance on foreign players such as Ollie Pope as well as Jamie Overton creates vulnerability if they fall short. The spin-versus-pace combination relies heavily on wrist spin for control of middle-overs, supported by the pace power that is a winner in death overs but also leaks runs in powerplays. Away record at MCG proves challenging–Strikers manage only a 40% win rate historically here, grappling with the venue’s vast boundaries and bounce. Pressure handling during big games is their main weakness as they fall apart when they are chasing over 170 totals under the lights.

Key Players to Watch – STR

Top-order anchors offer stability and provide the foundations to allow middle-order fireworks. Excessive finishers such as Liam Scott (262 runs at the rate of 144+) make chases more exciting with their powerful six-hitting. Bowlers who strike Jamie Overton (11 wickets at 13.72) and Lloyd Pope (11 wickets at 19.36) are the main players by slicing yorkers and googlies with a vengeance. Overton’s versatility could swing the match which makes him ideal potential captain for fantasy Dream11 lineups.

MLS vs ADS Head-to-Head Record in BBL

It is the MLS vs ADS rivalry in the Big Bash League showcases intense BBL head-tohead statistics that show Stars possessing an advantage in the past. In the 20 matches played, Stars have secured 11 wins compared to Strikers 9 wins without ties or no-results being recorded. This Stars vs Strikers record highlights closely contested battles, particularly at neutral venues, where momentum swings decide outcomes.bigbashboard+1

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the Stars dominate with 7 wins in 8 matches against the Strikers, who have managed only one win in a home match. The highest team totals show a dazzling batting display: Stars posted 211/3 chasing Strikers with 205/4 in a dramatic Adelaide Oval clash, while Strikers’ highest score is 205/3. The lowest numbers include the Strikers’ poor total of 68 against the Stars’ pace attack at MCG. Closest matches often boil down to heroics of the final over, like the Stars’ 7-wicket chase of the 205 mark or their 6-wicket margin in recent contests.

Here’s a quick snapshot of the most recent head-to-head battles:

Match	Winner	Venue	Margin
Dec 23, 2025	MLS	Adelaide Oval	6 wickets
Dec 20, 2024	ADS	Adelaide Oval	15 runs
Dec 31, 2023	MLS	Adelaide Oval	7 wickets
Jan 12, 2022	MLS	MCG	9 wickets
Jan 15, 2020	MLS	MCG	111 runs

Stars’ MCG fortress and their record of excellence make them the their favorite team however Strikers”upset” potential keeps betting on the future in this BBL classic of head-tohead play.

MCG Pitch Report for MLS vs ADS

Melbourne Cricket Ground delivers consistent bounce and real carry, making it a true speed bowler’s paradise in Big Bash League night games. This grass-based, drop-in surface offers an energetic pace starting with the first ball and allows express bowlers to get more energy across the surface. It’s a great match to support the MLS’s pace battery that is aiming for STR’s top order. The average first innings score is between 165 and 175 in BBL 2025-26. Recently, there have been games reaching 180+ when batsmen get settled in after the introduction phase.

BBL Statistic	1st Inn	2nd Inn	Details
Matches Played	83	83	36 wins batting 1st, 47 chasing
Total Runs	24,215	12,783	11,432
Avg Score per Innings	291.7	154.0	137.7
Highest Team Total	273	273	Lowest: 27
Boundaries	2,035 fours	–	640 sixes
Wickets Taken	998	542	456 (Catch: 676 total)
Bowling Strike Rate	18.8	18.3	19.4 (Avg: 24.3 overall)
Chasing Success Rate	–	57%	Dew is favored in the 2nd inning

Powerplay bowling is disciplined which is often accompanied by between 45 and 55 runs, while wickets tumbling in the event that openers take a rash approach against the MCG’s swing. Fast bowlers are the most dominant early on, with shorter balls climbing up quickly, taking 60% of the wickets that powerplays this season. Spinners have a lot of control during middle overs (7-15) which allows them to control the rate of runs at 7-8 RPO with a subtle turns, while elite batsmen such as Glenn Maxwell counter-attack ruthlessly. The dew effect transforms evening games. Post-9 PM rain creates a skid in the ball in a way that neutralizes reverse swings, and assisting chasers to win 70% of the BBL matches at this location. Teams who defend 170+ score only 40 percent of the time in lighting.

Batting or Bowling Friendly? What to Expect

It is primarily a batting friendly game once it has been set however bowlers will dictate the early the pace. You can expect a first innings of 170-185 total as dew flips the script to Stars against Strikers. Fantasy players: Prioritize Stars pacers for powerplay wickets, and Strikers’ chasers in order to achieve Dream11 success. A high-scoring thriller is likely!

Weather Forecast & Toss Impact for Stars vs Strikers

Enjoy a comfortable evening for the MLS vs ADS match at the MCG on 13 January 2026. Temperatures will range from 22 degrees Celsius at the time of toss (6:45 pm local time), decreasing to 18-19 degrees Celsius at the end of the innings, which is ideal for long-lasting bats under lighting. The chances of rain are a mere percent, with a majority of clear skies. No interruptions anticipated for this BBL 2025-26 game.

The humidity increases to 60-70 percent after sunset, enhancing the dew factor, which makes the ball slippery after 9 PM, neutralizing spinners, while assisting massive hit. A light breeze at 10-12 km/h coming from the south will not significantly alter course, making the conditions favorable for batsmen. Dew plays a major role in 70 percent of MCG evening games, changing the pitch into a chasing paradise where scores over 170 are recorded frequently.

Toss Prediction: Bowl First

The data suggests that teams chasing beat 57 percent of BBL matches played at MCG due to the dew-induced second innings. Stars, who have a superior speed attack, will be able to target the toss in a frenzied manner to capitalize on the fresh circumstances and the early bounce. Strikers may prefer to bat, but do not have the depth of batting to score 180+. Expect Stars captain Glenn Maxwell to call heads and bowl, creating the possibility of a 165-165 chase in dew. Tips for a fantasy game: Use death bowlers in a light manner, but focus on chasers!

MLS vs ADS Probable Playing XI

Here’s the expected lineups of the BBL 2025-26 34th game at the MCG in light of recent performance, home conditions, and team balance. Selections will be based on the MCG’s pace-friendly bounce, dew factor, and pressure on the playoffs.

MLS Probable XI

1. Thomas Rogers
2. Sam Harper (wk)
3. Campbell Kellaway
4. Glenn Maxwell
5. Marcus Stoinis (c)
6. Hilton Cartwright
7. Tom Curran
8. Jonathan Merlo
9. Haris Rauf
10. Peter Siddle
11. Mitchell Swepson
    

The Impact Sub Blake Macdonald (batting firepower when the team is chasing).

Reasoning: Top order (Rogers-Harper-Kellaway) handles new ball swing, transitioning to Maxwell-Stoinis explosion on true bounce. Curran’s all-round utility is able to cover middle overs, and Rauf-Siddle focuses on MCG carry. Swepson is adamant about dew-affected turns. Recent wins support this balanced XI.cricradar+1

ADS Probable XI

1. Matthew Short (c)
2. D’Arcy Short / Mackenzie Harvey
3. Chris Lynn
4. Alex Carey (wk)
5. Liam Scott
6. Jamie Overton
7. Harry Manenti
8. Luke Wood
9. Tabraiz Shamsi
10. Lloyd Pope
11. Cameron Boyce
    

Overseas Logic Jamie Overton (pace all-rounder) and Tabraiz Shamsi (wrist-spin x-factor) maximize impact. Overton targets powerplay bounce while Shamsi is in charge of middle overs, before dew. Luke Wood adds death-over yorkers.

Short-Lynn-Carey anchor away chase Scott’s finish (144+ SR) is in line with MCG boundaries. Spin trio (Shamsi-Pope-Boyce) dominates 7-15 overs. Weak away form demands batting stability over experimentation.crictracker+1

Tips for fantasy: Stoinis (c), Maxwell (vc), Overton must-haves!

Key Battles That Can Decide MLS vs ADS Match

These showdowns between head-to-head rivals could alter into the BBL 2025-26 34th game at MCG in which individual performance often surpasses team statistics. Fantasy players and bettors must keep track of these powerplays to see betting odds that are live.

Marcus Stoinis vs Jamie Overton (Powerplay Face-Off)

Stoinis”explosive starts” (150+ SR on the MCG) contrast with Overton’s raw speed and bounce – 11 wickets with a bounce of 13.72 during the season. Overton was able to dismiss Stoinis twice before; look for shorter balls to test Stars anchor early. Winner says powerplay momentum is on the rise.

Glenn Maxwell vs Tabraiz Shamsi (Spin vs Aggressive Middle Order)

Maxwell’s 160+ strike-rate against wrist-spin is a stark contrast to Shamsi’s middle over skill (googlies grasping MCG grass). Maxwell scored 45 off 20 against spin in this BBL however Shamsi boasts eight middle-over wickets. The 7-15 over contest determines the pace.

Chris Lynn vs Haris Rauf (Star Batter vs Strike Bowler)

The 180-plus chase of Lynn SR clashes Rauf’s yorkers express (MCG specialist 7 wickets at 14 average). Rauf caused trouble for Lynn by delivering 150kph of heat in the last time out. Lynn’s six-hitting death-over control determines the viability of Strikers’ chase.

Tom Curran vs Liam Scott (Death Overs Clash)

Curran’s variations (wides and slower balls) are a threat to Scott’s final score (262 runs, 1444 the SR). Scott has cleared MCG ropes fifteen times in this season, however Curran’s seven death-over wickets reveal the weakness of finishing under dew.

The battles are amplification of MCG’s 57% chase bias. The winners will likely lead their team to playoffs. Dream11 captaincy depends on this!

Stars vs Strikers Dream11 Prediction – Fantasy Cricket Tips

Craft successful Dream11 team to play STA vs STR (BBL 2025-26 Match 34) at the MCG in Melbourne, where dew favours chasers and all-rounders to dominate points. Make sure to prioritize Stars home strength against Strikers international threats to earn the highest return.

Best Fantasy Picks

Safe Picks (Must-Haves):

• Marcus Stoinis (Stars) – 652+ points, bats top 4 spots bowls 2 times (MCG + 160+)
  
• Glenn Maxwell (Stars) – Captaincy favorite 160+ SR vs spin, useful off-breaks
  
• Alex Carey (Strikers) – 988 points, WK-batsman exploits MCG bounce
  
• Liam Scott (Strikers) – 811 points the 144 SR finisher has cleared the short boundaries
  

Differential Picks (<20 percent ownership):

• Hilton Cartwright (Stars) – 652 points, middle-order anchor explodes post-powerplay
  
• Lloyd Pope (Strikers) – 11 wickets at 19.36, MCG leg-spin grips early dew
  

The Budget Player (Under 7.5 credits):

• Peter Siddle (Stars) – 589 points, death-over yorkers (MCG specialist)
  
• Cameron Boyce (Strikers) – Economy King in middle-overs
  

Captain & Vice-Captain Choices

Safe Options (Small Leagues):

• Marcus Stoinis (C), Glenn Maxwell (VC) – 100+ points guaranteed from bat beauty
  

Grand League Punts:

• Jamie Overton (C) – All-round x-factor (11 wickets and finishing)
  
• Tabraiz Shamsi (VC) – – Wrist-spin traps Maxwell in the middle overs
  

Small League vs Grand League Strategy

Small leagues need secure teams with a high percentage of Stars (6 Stars: 5 Strikers) and a 57 percent MCG to succeed. Risk management. The best way to manage risk is to lock 3-4 all-rounders. keep bowlers away from pure bowlers after dew.

Grand leagues chase differentials–triple Overton/Shamsi captaincy with Cartwright batting sub. Go 4-4-3 (bat-bowl-AR) expecting 170+ totals.

Combination Tips: 1 WK, 4 BAT, 3 AR, 3 BOWL. Must-pick base: Stoinis, Maxwell, Carey, Scott. Bowl-first teams use track toss, which unleashes pacers in the early stages. Get top ranks in the 1!

STA and ADS Match Prediction and Winning Strategy

STA Strategy

The ideal batting order flows from Rogers and Harper (powerplay aggression) into the Maxwell-Stoinis explosive, with a target of 75+ over the six overs from the first MCG bounce. Cartwright is the anchor at No.6 while he clears small boundaries in the late innings. Reddy Anna Club identification owners should back the Stars, with a potential of 180+ runs. Sam Harper’s 356 runs and Haris Rauf’s 15 wickets make the team chase the Kings (57 percent MCG performance).

Bowling strategy unleashes the powerplay of Rauf-Siddle (short balls 150kph yorkers), Swepson gripsthe middle overs prior to dew. Death execution demands Curran variations under lights. Fielding emphasizes slip-catches and deep boundary athleticism. The Stars lead the BBL with a direct hit.

ADS Strategy

Short-Carey Lynch opened cautiously (50-55 power play) and accelerated through Scott’s 144-second SR final. Overton and Shamsi, a duo from overseas, balance speed-spin takes on early, Shamsi traps the middle-order with googlies prior to the dew slicking.

Key Phase Tactics

Powerplay The Stars strike (70+ the target) Strikers rebuild (45-50 secured).
Death Overs: The stars race free post-dew; The Strikers fight 170+ by using cutters.
In the Toss, both teams prefer to bowl first. Dew flips 165 into 10-run games. Stars’ home edge clinches it.

STA vs STR – Who Will Win Today?

STA hold superior squad balance over ADS, blending explosive bat depth and a variety of bowling options specifically designed to MCG conditions. Stars have top four firepower, led by Stoinis (652plus numbers of fantasy points) and Maxwell–outdoes Strikers struggling middle order, and their trio that runs (Rauf, Siddle, Curran) makes the most of bounce at MCG better than Strikers heavily overseas-based attack. All-rounder flexibility gives Stars adaptability across phases, unlike Strikers’ reliance on Overton-Shamsi for breakthroughs.

The home advantage increases Stars advantage — they boast a 60%or more MCG win rate and a 7-1 head-to-head record against Strikers, making the most of the energy of crowds and familiarity with the venue. The pitch is suited to Stars well: true bounce is a great matchup for their powerplay (70 per cent average) and death-over hitting while dew (post-9 after 9 pm) coincides to their 57% chase success. Strikers fight for their lives (40 percent MCG wins) and often fall down after 170+.

Recent momentum shifts Stars towards winning five times from eight (W-L-L-L-W) is a sign of resilience in comparison to Strikers 3 successes (W-L-W-L-L) along with -0.420 NRR showing vulnerability. Toss impacts favor Stars by bowling the first time, releasing new pacers, before dew helps their pursuit.

Final Match Prediction Verdict

Stars triumph by 8-12 points and defend their 172. Reddy Anna book cricket ID customers should bet on Stars at 1.65 odds. Their superior home record, team depth, and MCG expertise will outlast the Strikers’ chances of an upset. Strikers +15.5 runline has value, however Stars can secure playoff and push!

STA vs STR Betting Tips & Match Odds

The current market odds place ADS as slight favorites at -145 (1.69 decimal) which is a reflection of their recent potential for upsets as well as STA trade at +125 (2.25) as home underdogs – excellent value considering their 7-1 MCG head-to-head advantage. Toss odds sit tight at 1.90 each way, with draw/super over priced at +2000 (21.00).sportsbook.fanduel+1

Safe Bets

• “Stars” -1.5 Run Line (+150) Edge at home and 57% of runners chasing the success cover 8-12 run margins comfortably.
• Total Runs over 335.5 (-110): MCG bats paradise plus dew pushes together with 170+ runs (avg 291.7 run/match).
  

High-Risk Bets

• Strikers’ moneyline has risen to 125. Great depth of the team outweighs Strikers’ vulnerability away.
• 1. 1st innings (-120): 160+ (-120) True bounce results in 75+ powerplays on a regular basis.
  

Over/Under Insights
Over 335.5 is 65% at MCG evening games. Dew skids can negate late bowling. A score of less than 17.5 sixes can be beneficial in the event that spinners get grip early (Shamsi-Swepson important).

Player Performance Bets

• Marcus Stoinis Top Stars Batsman (-110): 160+ MCG SR, prime captaincy material.
• Jamie Overton 1+ Wicket (1.65): 11 wickets exploit the Stars’ middle order.
• Glenn Maxwell 25+ Runs (1.80) Spin-slaying form vs. Shamsi-Pope.

STA vs STR Match FAQs