The second leg of Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 12 opening day brings plenty of narrative as Meg Lanning’s Melbourne Stars take on a Hobart Hurricanes outfit that has developed into a genuine title contender. The Stars are eager to shake off a disappointing run from last season, relying on their core strength of Lanning’s tactical sharpness alongside all-round powerhouse Annabel Sutherland.
Hobart, meanwhile, arrive with a squad overflowing with match-winners. With Lizelle Lee’s aggressive ball-striking at the top of the order complemented by the tactical smarts of Nicola Carey and Molly Strano in the bowling department, the Hurricanes possess the exact depth and experience needed to impose themselves right out of the gate.
Playing the evening fixture under the lights in St Kilda means early movement could test both top orders before conditions settle into a batter’s paradise. The Stars will need Lanning to hold one end together to let their stroke-makers play naturally around her, while Hobart’s primary blueprint will be using their high-pace options early to break Melbourne’s top order before unleashing their spin choke.
Hobart hold the recent head-to-head edge and know how to squeeze scoring through the middle overs, but the Stars have enough raw individual quality to flip the narrative. It promises to be a tight battle of tactical adjustments, with Hobart holding a slight edge on overall balance, though Melbourne will be desperate to defend home turf.
Squads:
Melbourne Stars Women’s Cricket Team
Meg Lanning (C), Sophie Day, Charlie Dean*, Kim Garth, Dani Gibson*, Maisy Gibson, Amy Jones*, Carly Leeson, Rhys McKenna, Indigo Noble, Georgia Prestwidge, Zoe Samuel, Naomi Stalenberg, Annabel Sutherland
Hobart Hurricanes Women’s Cricket Team
Chamari Athapaththu*, Nicola Carey (C), Heather Graham, Ella Hayward, Chinelle Henry*, Ruth Johnston, Lizelle Lee, Kate Pelle, Hayley Silver-Holmes, Amy Smith, Lauren Smith, Linsey Smith*, Molly Strano, Rachel Trenaman, Callie Wilson
Head-to-Head:
- Played: 23
- Melbourne Stars Won: 8
- Hobart Hurricanes Won: 14
- No Result: 1
The numbers paint a clear picture of dominance in this matchup, with Hobart Hurricanes comfortably holding the upper hand over the Melbourne Stars. Out of 23 played fixtures, the Hurricanes have walked away victorious 14 times compared to the Stars’ 8 wins, alongside one non-result. Hobart have consistently managed to find the key breakthroughs and execute their plans against Melbourne in past editions, making this opening clash a major mental test for the Stars as they attempt to turn the tide against a side that has historically had their number.
Where to watch : Match 2 – Women’s Big Bash League 2026
Date – October 29, 2026 (Thursday)
Time – 1:40 PM IST
Venue – Junction Oval, Melbourne
Live Streaming Details:
India and Subcontinent –
Broadcast: Star Sports Network
Live Streaming: Jio Hotstar/Fancode
Australia –
Broadcast: Channel 7, Fox Cricket
Live Streaming: 7Plus, Kayo Sports, CA Live
United Kingdom –
Broadcast: Sky Sports Cricket
Live Streaming: NOW TV/ SKY Sports App
United States –
Broadcast: Willow TV
Live Streaming: Willow TV/Prime Video
New Zealand –
Broadcast: Sky Sport New Zealand
Live Streaming: Sky Go