Big Bash 2022-23 match preview: Hobart Hurricanes v Melbourne Renegades

Key match-ups, analysis, form, team news, weather forecast, tickets, TV and streaming information, odds, predictions and more ahead of the latest encounter in the 2022/23 Big Bash

What's the match?

Hobart Hurricanes take on Melbourne Renegades in match 14 of BBL12, the 12th edition of the tournament.

When is it taking place?

The game is scheduled to start at 3.30pm local time (4.30am GMT) on Saturday, December 24.

Where is the match being played?

The game is being played in Hobart at the Blundstone Arena.

Who's got the form?

With three wins from three, Melbourne Renegades - winners of the wooden spoon for the past three seasons - are sitting pretty in second position, only behind Adelaide Strikers on net run rate. The Renegades haven't always made it easy for themselves, chasing down 175 with one ball to spare against Sydney Thunder and slipping to 9 for 4 against Brisbane Heat, but they keep finding a way to win.

Hobart Hurricanes, meanwhile, have had a mixed start to BBL12. After losing to Melbourne Stars by 38 runs, they bounced back to defeat defending champions Perth Scorchers by eight runs to send them to the SCG on a high. However, despite Asif Ali smashing 41 runs from 13 balls, they fell to a six-run defeat.

These two sides have met on 15 occasions, with Hobart Hurricanes taking the points on eight occasions.

^{Akeal Hosein showcased his finisher credentials against Brisbane Heat [Darrian Traynor/Getty Images]}

What's the key match-up?

Melbourne Renegades have produced several match-winners with the bat in their opening three matches, with Aaron Finch, Nic Maddinson, Andre Russell and Akeal Hosein all among the runs. Russell and Hosein were particularly impressive against the Heat last time out, smashing 57 (42) and 30 (19), respectively, as their teammates struggled.

However, Hobart Hurricanes have their own firefighters, with Asif Ali and Tim David (78 runs at 144.44) both producing devastating performances with bat in hand.

The challenge for both bowling attacks will be keeping up a solid performance for the full 20 overs because as Brisbane Heat found out against the Renegades last time out, even four wickets inside three overs from Michael Neser wasn't enough to secure a win.

What's the weather forecast?

Sunny conditions and temperatures in the low-20s are expected in Hobart.

What is the team news?

Mitch Owen has been added to the Hurricanes squad which lost to Sydney Sixers on Thursday. Chris Tremain could make his debut.

Melbourne Renegades have used the same XI in their opening three matches and are unlikely to mess with a winning formula.

What are the squads?

Hobart Hurricanes: Asif Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Caleb Jewell, Shadab Khan, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Mitch Owen, Joel Paris, Wil Parker, D'Arcy Short, Matthew Wade, Billy Stanlake, Paddy Dooley, Chris Tremain, Mac Wright, Zak Crawley (overseas replacement for Shadab Khan), Jimmy Neesham (overseas replacement)

Melbourne Renegades: Zak Evans, Aaron Finch, Akeal Hosein, Liam Livingstone (withdrawn), Jake Fraser-McGurk, Sam Harper, Mackenzie Harvey, Nic Maddinson (c), Shaun Marsh, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Kane Richardson, Tom Rogers, Will Sutherland, Jon Wells, Jack Prestwidge, Ruwantha Kellapotha, Marcus Harris, Andre Russell (replacing Liam Livingstone, first four matches only), Martin Guptill (replacing Liam Livingstone, 10 group matches and finals), Corey Rocchiccioli, Peter Handscomb

*Squads are for the whole BBL and not specific to this match

What are the possible starting XIs?

Hobart Hurricanes: Ben McDermott, D'Arcy Short, Matthew Wade, Shadab Khan, Tim David, Jimmy Neesham, Asif Ali, Joel Paris, Nathan Ellis, Paddy Dooley, Riley Meredith

Melbourne Renegades: Sam Harper, Nic Maddinson, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Finch, Jono Wells, Andre Russell, Akeal Hosein, Will Sutherland, Tom Rogers, Kane Richardson, Mujeeb ur Rahman

Riley Meredith will hope to replicate Michael Neser's destructive form against the Renegades [Simon Sturzaker/Getty Images]

What are the odds?

Hobart Hurricanes are available at 3/4 while Melbourne Renegades are at 8/7.

What's the prediction?

With confidence in abundance, Melbourne Renegades should take this - although they'll make hard work of it.

Are tickets available?

Yes. Tickets are available on Ticketek, with general admission starting from $8.

Where can I watch the game?

Sky Sports hold the UK rights for the BBL, with coverage split between Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Mix.

Ball-by-ball radio commentary will also be available via BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra and BBC Sounds for selected matches.

Fox Sports and Seven Network both have television rights in Australia while coverage will also be available via streaming service Kayo. Fox will show every game while 45 matches, including the knockout stages, will be shown free-to-air on Channel Seven.