MELBOURNE: A brilliant three-wicket spell from veteran Peter Siddle, followed by a commanding knock from captain Marcus Stoinis, guided Melbourne Stars to a convincing eight-wicket victory over Hobart Hurricanes in the fifth match of Big Bash League (BBL) 15 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Thursday.
Chasing a target of 159, the Stars comfortably reached the winning runs on the final ball of the 15th over, losing just two wickets along the way.
Openers Thomas Rogers and Joe Clarke gave the home side a solid start, adding 46 runs in 5.3 overs. Rogers struck six boundaries during his quick 30 off 18 balls before falling to Rishad Hossain. Clarke followed soon after, dismissed for 20 off 20 balls, leaving the Stars at 58-2 in 7.3 overs.
That proved to be the Hurricanes’ only moment of relief, as Campbell Kellaway and skipper Marcus Stoinis then took complete control of the chase. The pair put together an unbeaten 101-run partnership off just 51 balls, dismantling the Hurricanes’ bowling attack.
Kellaway remained not out on 41 from 27 deliveries, hitting five fours, while Stoinis played a dominant innings of 62 off 31 balls, smashing seven fours and two sixes to seal the win in style. Rishad Hossain was the only bowler to make an impact for Hobart, claiming both wickets.
Earlier, after being sent in to bat, Hobart Hurricanes were restricted to 158-9 in their allotted 20 overs. The visitors suffered early setbacks as Mitchell Owen (8) and Rehan Ahmed (1) were dismissed within the first two overs, leaving the team struggling at 10-2.
Ben McDermott and Nikhil Chaudhary attempted to steady the innings with a brief 26-run stand, but Stoinis broke the partnership by removing Chaudhary for seven. McDermott then found support from Tim David, and the experienced duo added 83 runs for the fourth wicket.
While David struggled to accelerate, scoring 31 off 31 balls before falling to Siddle, McDermott anchored the innings with a well-made 69 off 52 balls, including two sixes and five fours, helping Hurricanes reach a competitive total.
For the Stars, Peter Siddle was the standout bowler with figures of three wickets, while Haris Rauf and Marcus Stoinis chipped in with two wickets apiece.
