A meaty clash awaits when defending champions Hobart Hurricanes take on the Melbourne Stars in the BBL 2025-26 Knockout match at Ninja Stadium. The winner of this game will take on the Sydney Sixers (who just lost the qualifiers) in the Challenger match on Friday.
The Stars, who missed out on a top-two spot thanks to their loss to the Perth Scorchers in their final group stage match, are currently the only BBL team never to have won the tournament. They will be keen to end their trophy drought and need “Big Show” Maxwell to come good. He has so far scored just 67 runs across seven innings in this tournament.
Although the batting has been a bit iffy, the Stars have a firing bowling lineup. Both Haris Rauf and Peter Siddle are among the top three wicket-takers in this year’s campaign, with a total of 34 wickets between them. Even captain Stoinis has chipped in with 14 handy wickets, not to mention his contribution with the bat.
The Hurricanes arrive in this do-or-die game with a stripped down team. They will be without their captain and leading wicket-taker Nathan Ellis, who picked up a niggle in the last match. They will also miss the services of all-rounder Rehan Ahmed, who is heading to the subcontinent for international duties. Ben McDermott steps in as captain in Ellis’ absence.
Neither Hurricanes player has had a runaway tournament and they will hope the combination of Mitchell Owen, Beau Webster, Ben McDermott and Nikhil Chaudhary is enough to take on the Stars’ bowling heat. The head-to-head between these teams points in favor of the Stars, who have won 15 games compared to the Hurricanes’ 8.
Read on below for a complete guide to where you can watch Knockout between the Hurricanes and the Stars from anywhere in the world.
Can I watch Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars for free?
Yes. 7 Plus broadcast the match for free to Australian residents.
New to 7Plus? Sign up for a free account to watch 7Plus online. You must use an Australian postcode (eg 2029).
Are you traveling abroad right now? You can use a VPN to watch all the action for free as if you were at home. NordVPN is our top choice of options.
Use a VPN to watch any Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars stream
How to watch Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars live streams in USA
In the US, dedicated cricket streaming service Willow TV is the place to watch Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars.
If you don’t have it as part of your cable package, you can see Willow coverage through your selection of Sling TVs Desi Binge Plus or Dakshin Flex plans – starts from $10 per month.
Australian residents visiting the US? Use NordVPN to watch 7Plus’ free Knockout coverage.
How to watch Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars live streams in UK
Sky Sports will telecast Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars in UK on Main Event channel and Cricket channel.
Sky Sports plans start from £35/month or £20 if you’re an existing Sky subscriber. Alternatively, you can grab a Now Sports subscription from £14.99/day or £34.99/month.
Outside the UK right now? Use NordVPN to access your preferred coverage.
How to watch Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars live streams in Australia
In Australia, 7 Plus broadcast Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars for free as mentioned earlier.
Fox Cricket via Foxtel will also broadcast the game, with live streaming available via Kayo Sports. Kayo Sports starts at AU$30 per month after a 7-day free trial. Or you can get your first month for AU$1.
Those currently outside Australia will have to get a VPNaccording to the instructions above.
What are the squads for the Hurricanes vs Stars Knockout match?
Hobart Hurricanes: Jackson Bird, Nikhil Chaudhary, Rishad Hossain, Chris Jordan, Ben McDermott (c), Riley Meredith, Mitch Owen, Will Prestwidge, Billy Stanlake, Matthew Wade, Charlie Wakim, Tim Ward, Beau Webster, Mac Wright
Recording: Jackson Bird, Charlie Wakim. Outs: Rehan Ahmed (national duties), Nathan Ellis (injured)
Melbourne stars: Marcus Stoinis (c), Hilton Cartwright, Joe Clarke, Tom Curran, Sam Harper, Liam Hatcher, Campbell Kellaway, Blake Macdonald, Glenn Maxwell, Hamish McKenzie, Haris Rauf, Tom Rogers, Peter Siddle, Mitch Swepson
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