In the 14th game of the 2024/25 Big Bash League, the Melbourne Stars will take on the Sydney Thunder at Manuka Oval in Canberra.

The Melbourne Stars suffered an 8-wicket defeat against the Sydney Sixers in their last game. They have played four games this season, lost all of them and are at the bottom of the table.

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Sydney Thunder suffered a 5-wicket loss against the Sydney Sixers in their last game. With two games played so far, they have achieved one win and one defeat and are therefore in sixth place in the table.

STA vs. THU: Likely playing XIs

Melbourne stars: Sam Harper (week), Ben Duckett, Marcus Stoinis (c), Glenn Maxwell, Thomas Fraser Rogers, Hilton Cartwright, Tom Curran, Jonathan Merlo, Usama Mir, Doug Warren, Peter Siddle

Sydney Thunder: David Warner (c), Matthew Gilkes, Cameron Bancroft, Oliver Davies, Sam Billings (wk), Sherfane Rutherford, Chris Green, Daniel Sams, Wes Agar, Lockie Ferguson, Tanveer Sangha

STA vs. THU: Pitch report and weather conditions

The pitch at Manuka Oval in Canberra is great for batting, offering consistent pace and bounce. Bowlers may find some movement early on, but conditions generally favor stroke play.

If the playing conditions are clear, a temperature of around 23 degrees Celsius is expected.

Top player picks for STA vs THU Dream11 prediction

Cameron Bancroft (DO)

• Cameron Bancroft has scored 76 runs in two games so far.
• He impressed with an unbeaten 70 in his last game.

Lockie Ferguson (DO)

• Lockie Ferguson has taken five wickets in two games so far.
• His bowling figures are 2/32 and 3/24 in the respective matches.

Ben Duckett (STA)

• Ben Duckett scored an impressive 68 runs in his last match.
• As an opener who thrives on the power play, he could be a valuable pick for this game.

Top captain and vice captain tips for STA vs THU Dream11 prediction

Marcus Stoinis (STA)

• Marcus Stoinis scored 110 runs in four games and also contributed with the ball by taking a wicket.
• His all-round abilities make him a good candidate for captaincy.

Daniel Sams (DO)

• Daniel Sams has scored 44 runs in two games so far.
• He also made an impression with the ball and took a wicket.

Glenn Maxwell (STA)

• Despite not being at his best, Glenn Maxwell remains a threat with both the bat and the ball.
• He is a strong contender for the role of captain or vice-captain.

STA vs THU player to avoid

Jonathan Merlo (STA):

• Jonathan Merlo may not be as effective and can be avoided for this game.

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Grand League Team for STA vs THU Dream11 Prediction

Small League Team for STA vs THU Dream11 Prediction

STA vs THU Dream11 Prediction

Both teams come into this game having lost their previous games, but their performances this season tell a different story. The Melbourne Stars are yet to win and have struggled in all their games so far, while the Sydney Thunder have a stronger squad and an even record of one win and one loss. Given the squad strength and recent results, the Sydney Thunder appear to be one step ahead of the Stars in this competition.

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