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Melbourne Renegades
Sydney Sixers
The 18th game of the 2025 Big Bash League shifts to Docklands Stadium, where Melbourne Renegades face Sydney Sixers in a contest that could shape the early ladder.
The Renegades are still searching for momentum after a difficult start, sitting last with just two points from three matches. Sydney Sixers havenβt been much more convincing, but a healthier net run rate keeps them in third place for now.
With both sides struggling for consistency, this clash feels evenly poised and makes a win crucial for either team looking to kick-start their campaign.
Josh Philippe is in strong form and remains the most dependable run-scorer for the Sixers at the top.
The betting tip is...
Josh Philippe to score 30.5+ runs
61 %
39 %
Melbourne RenegadesSydney SixersMelbourne Renegades are already feeling the heat after a sluggish start to the season. One win from three matches has pushed them to the bottom of the table, though a long schedule still offers time to turn things around if they can string together improved performances.
Tim Seifert has been the standout with the bat, providing intent at the top with 162 runs from three innings at a strike rate close to 180. A fast start from him remains crucial to the Renegadesβ chances. Young Oliver Peake has also made a positive impression, scoring 100 runs across three games while striking at over 156.
Beyond those two, the batting has lacked consistency. Players like Mohammad Rizwan, Jake Fraser-McGurk, and Will Sutherland have the ability to change games, but early contributions are now becoming a necessity rather than a bonus.
With the ball, Jason Behrendorff has led the way with four wickets in three matches, even if his economy has been on the higher side. Gurinder Sandhu and Sutherland have chipped in with seven wickets between them, yet sustained pressure has been hard to come by.
Adam Zampaβs role could be decisive, with his four overs of spin offering the best chance to slow the scoring and pick up key wickets.
Predicted Lineup: Josh Brown, Tim Seifert, Mohammad Rizwan(w), Jake Fraser-McGurk, Oliver Peake, Hassan Khan, Will Sutherland(c), Gurinder Sandhu, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa, Jason Behrendorff
Sydney Sixers are yet to find their best rhythm in this BBL season, with just one win so far and defeats starting to stack up. With the ladder still tight, they will be keen to put together a run of results and move back into contention sooner rather than later.
Josh Philippe has been the clear standout with the bat, anchoring the innings with 180 runs from four matches at an average of 45 and a healthy strike rate of 157. His form at the top remains central to the Sixersβ plans. Daniel Hughes and Jack Edwards have provided steady support, each crossing the 90-run mark and helping the side keep a competitive scoring rate.
Much more was expected from Babar Azam, but the marquee signing is still searching for impact after scoring only 71 runs in four outings at a strike rate of 111. Moises Henriques and Jordan Silk have chipped in sporadically, though neither has yet controlled the middle overs or finished an innings with authority.
Bowling has been driven by a small group of performers. Jack Edwards has led the charge with eight wickets and consistent control, while Joel Davies and Ben Dwarshuis have combined for nine more.
The Sixers will be hoping for stronger contributions from the whole squad.
Predicted Lineup: Daniel Hughes, Babar Azam, Josh Philippe(w), Moises Henriques(c), Jack Edwards, Joel Davies, Jordan Silk, Ben Dwarshuis, Ben Manenti, Sean Abbott, Kane Richardson
Sydney Sixers look slightly better placed heading into this clash due to their deeper bowling resources and stronger top-order output through Josh Philippe. Melbourne Renegades rely heavily on fast starts from Tim Seifert, and if that early momentum is checked, their batting can stall quickly.
On a Docklands surface that often rewards disciplined bowling and smart changes of pace, the Sixersβ attack gives them a small but clear edge. Expect a tight contest, but the Sydney Sixers should have enough control to come out on top.
