Two of the most recognisable names in Australian women’s cricket meet in Sydney on Sunday, 18 October, with the Weber WBBL|12 only weeks away. This is a T20 Spring Challenge match, the preseason tournament that gives the nine sides a competitive run-out before the main season. Both squads are missing Australian internationals, so depth players get a real chance to stand out. This preview covers the match details, form, squads, key players, and a prediction.
Match Details
The key facts for the Sixers-Stars clash:
- Fixture: Sydney Sixers Women vs Melbourne Stars Women, 18th match of the T20 Spring Challenge
- Date: Sunday, 18 October 2026
- Start time: 7:00 PM AEDT (1:30 PM IST), a night match
- Venue: Blacktown International Sportspark 1, Sydney
- Captains: Erin Burns (Sixers), Meg Lanning (Stars)
- Coverage: Kayo, cricket.com.au, and the CA Live app
The tournament is a nine-team event played in Sydney, and each side plays four league matches. The top four teams reach the semi-finals on 20 October, and the final follows on 21 October. All games are free to attend.
How the Two Sides Have Fared
The Sixers have won both of their matches so far and sit top of the standings with four points. Their opening win came against Brisbane Heat by 46 runs, with Heat bowled out for 90. Lauren Kua is the Sixers’ leading run-scorer in the tournament so far, with 64 runs. The Sixers face Adelaide Strikers on Saturday before this game.
The Stars have lost both of their matches and have no points. They went down to Sydney Thunder by seven wickets, then lost to Melbourne Renegades by a single run. In that second game, they chased 181 and finished on 179 for 6. Lanning scored 52 off 34 balls and shared a 94-run opening stand with Rhys McKenna, who made 55.
Recent Head-to-Head
The last four WBBL meetings between these sides are split evenly:
- 1 November 2024: Stars won by 32 runs (DLS).
- 8 November 2024: Sixers won by six runs (DLS).
- 20 November 2025: Stars won by 111 runs (DLS), with Lanning scoring 135 off 74 balls.
- 3 December 2025: Sixers won by 16 runs.
Preseason sides look quite different from WBBL lineups, so those results only go so far.
Sydney Sixers Team News
Ashleigh Gardner and Ellyse Perry are unavailable because of Australia duties. Wicketkeeper-batter Maddy Darke is out while recovering from bone stress in her leg.
The Sixers squad: Erin Burns (c), Caoimhe Bray, Maitlan Brown, Stella Campbell, Lauren Cheatle, Sarah Coyte, Elsa Hunter, Lauren Kua, Claire Moore, Juliette Morton, Frankie Nicklin, Courtney Sippel, and Hayley Zauch.
Melbourne Stars Team News
Kim Garth and Annabel Sutherland are missing due to Australia duties. Lanning leads a squad that blends experience with young talent.
The Stars squad: Meg Lanning (c), Aanliya Cheeran, Sophie Day, Samara Dulvin, Maisy Gibson, Carly Leeson, Bronte Leishman, Emma Manix-Geeves, Rhys McKenna, Indigo Noble, Georgia Prestwidge, Zoe Samuel, and Naomi Stalenberg. Playing XIs are confirmed only at the toss.
Key Players to Watch
A few names stand out from the numbers so far:
- Meg Lanning (Stars): She has 64 tournament runs and made 135 against these Sixers in the WBBL last November.
- Rhys McKenna (Stars): She scored 55 against the Renegades and made 50 in that same 2025 win over the Sixers.
- Sophie Day (Stars): She took 2 for 25 in the Renegades game.
- Lauren Kua (Sixers): She leads the Sixers’ batting with 64 runs from two matches.
- Erin Burns (Sixers): The captain steers a side that has won both outings.
Conditions
No detailed pitch report exists for Blacktown International Sportspark 1 ahead of this match. Scores across the tournament have varied widely between venues, from totals under 140 to 180 for 4. Check the local forecast closer to the start.
Match Prediction
The Sixers hold a slight edge on current form. They are unbeaten, top of the table, and played their first two games in Sydney. The Stars have the more experienced batting name in Lanning, and they were a single run from beating the Renegades.
Three factors could decide it:
- Powerplay wickets, which Sixers bowlers need to take early.
- How the Stars’ top order builds on strong starts.
- Which side makes better use of its bench with so many stars missing.
It should be close. A big Lanning innings could change the result.
Conclusion
A preseason fixture still carries real weight when semi-final places are on the line. Our website, PB77, covers cricket match previews like this one throughout the season, including the Weber WBBL|12 from November. For more betting updates
FAQs
When is the Sydney Sixers Women vs Melbourne Stars Women match?
The match takes place on Sunday, 18 October 2026, at 7:00 PM AEDT. It is played at Blacktown International Sportspark 1 in Sydney.
Which tournament is this match part of?
It is part of the T20 Spring Challenge, a preseason event before the WBBL. Nine teams play four league games each, and the top four reach the semi-finals.
Who captains each team?
Erin Burns captains the Sydney Sixers. Meg Lanning leads the Melbourne Stars.
Which key players are missing?
The Sixers miss Ashleigh Gardner, Ellyse Perry, and Maddy Darke. The Stars are without Kim Garth and Annabel Sutherland.
Where can I watch the match?
Every game streams on Kayo, cricket.com.au, and the CA Live app. Check local listings in other regions.