Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Stars Match Scorecard: BBL 2024-25

Match: Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Stars, 11th Match, BBL 2024-25 ·
Result: Sydney Sixers won by 6 wickets ·
Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) ·
Top Batsman (Sixers): Not available from summary

The pattern from these figures: the Sixers’ historical edge is clear, but the Stars have a chance to rewrite the narrative in the ongoing season.

How much did Sydney Sixers pay Babar Azam?

The exact salary Babar Azam received from the Sydney Sixers has not been publicly disclosed by either the club or the player. A widely circulated figure of 12 Crore PKR (approx. AUD 4 million) appears in some reports, but as of now no official confirmation from the Sixers or the Big Bash League exists. For context, the average Big Bash player salary is around AUD 200,000 per season (Big Bash League). If the reported figure is accurate, it would place Azam among the highest-paid overseas recruits in BBL history.

Breaking down Babar Azam’s BBL contract

• Azam signed with the Sixers for the 2024-25 season, making his BBL debut for the club.
• He later appeared in a 2025-26 match for the Sixers, scoring 2 runs (ESPNcricinfo).

Is Babar Azam playing in the BBL?

Yes. Babar Azam is actively playing for the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League. He made his debut for the franchise in the 2024-25 season and has also featured in the 2025-26 campaign. In the 2025-26 match against Melbourne Stars, he was dismissed for 2 runs (ESPNcricinfo). Beyond this season, Azam had previously represented other teams in the BBL, combining his Pakistan national team experience with league cricket.

Babar Azam’s BBL debut and current season

• First appearance for Sixers: BBL 2024-25.
• Playing role: Top-order batsman.
• Stats: Early season form still under assessment; later match showed a low score.

Have the Melbourne Stars ever won the BBL?

No, the Melbourne Stars have never won a Big Bash League title. The franchise has made multiple finals appearances but has not secured the championship. In contrast, the Sydney Sixers have won the BBL three times (2011-12, 2012-13, 2020-21) (Melbourne Cricket Club). Head-to-head, the Sixers also dominate with 15 wins to the Stars’ 9 across all meetings up to January 2026.

Melbourne Stars BBL finals appearances

• Finals appearances: multiple (e.g., 2015-16, 2016-17).
• Win rate: Among the weakest in the league when it comes to trophy success.

Is the Melbourne pitch a batting or bowling pitch?

The MCG pitch in Big Bash matches is generally considered balanced, with a slight edge for batters in night games due to dew and consistent bounce. In the Sky Sports scorecard for this Sixers-Stars match, the Stars managed only 128 runs, suggesting the pitch offered some assistance to bowlers early on. However, the Sixers chased down the target comfortably with 6 wickets in hand, indicating that run-scoring became easier under lights (Sky Sports). The MCC’s fact sheet notes the venue’s characteristics of pace and bounce typical of Australian drop-in pitches.

MCG pitch characteristics in BBL

• Drop-in surface with consistent pace and bounce.
• Night matches often see dew aiding batting later.
• Spinners get less turn; pace bowlers rely on length.

Why are Australian pitches so bouncy?

Australian cricket pitches, including the MCG, are renowned for higher bounce compared to subcontinental surfaces. This is due to the clay-rich soil and the drop-in pitch preparation method. Rolling compacts the clay, creating a harder, more consistent surface that generates more bounce. The grass content is also managed to preserve pace (Melbourne Cricket Club). These conditions reward batsmen with good technique against short-pitched bowling and favour pace bowlers who can exploit bounce.

Soil and preparation differences

• Clay content: high, compared to loam soils used in England or Asia.
• Drop-in pitches: grown off-site, then transported; consistent across grounds.
• Usage: multi-purpose grounds (AFL, cricket) require durable, bouncy surfaces.

The implication: the Sixers’ consistency in both head-to-head results and title count continues to outshine the Stars’ sporadic flashes of brilliance.

Clarity check: Confirmed vs unclear

In their own words

“The Sixers completed a comfortable chase, showing the depth of their batting lineup.”

Sky Sports match report (Sky Sports)

“Sam Harper played a sensational knock of 110 not out to steer the Stars to a seven-wicket victory.”

ESPNcricinfo report on 2025-26 match (ESPNcricinfo)

“The club proudly maintains a dedicated fixtures page for its Men’s Big Bash team, reflecting its commitment to fan engagement.”

Sydney Sixers official website (Sydney Sixers)

The implication: these two sides have contrasting narratives—the Sixers’ consistency versus the Stars’ flashes of brilliance. For the neutral observer, the rivalry grows more compelling with every season.

For the Big Bash League and its fans, the choice is clear: the Sydney Sixers and Melbourne Stars will continue to produce scorecards worth studying, whether for salary speculation, pitch analysis, or pure entertainment. The Melbourne Stars face the challenge of converting near-misses into silverware—or they risk remaining a footnote in the Sixers’ trophy cabinet.

For a detailed breakdown of the match, check the full Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Stars scorecard from the Boxing Day clash at the SCG.

Frequently asked questions