The Melbourne Stars secured a hard-fought 16-run victory over the Sydney Sixers in the 28th match of the Big Bash League 2024-25, held at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Glenn Maxwell’s unbeaten knock and a disciplined bowling performance ensured the Stars maintained their momentum in the tournament. The Sixers, despite James Vince’s heroic innings, fell short in a chase of 157 runs.
First Innings: Melbourne Stars Build a Competitive Total
After being sent in to bat by the Sixers, the Stars posted a total of 156 for 5 in their 20 overs. Their innings revolved around a scintillating unbeaten knock by Glenn Maxwell, who carried the team with his trademark explosive batting.
Early Struggles for the Stars
The innings started on a shaky note, with Sam Harper falling early for a scratchy 4 off 6 balls. He was caught by Jordan Silk off Jack Edwards in the second over. Ben Duckett followed soon after, scoring a quick 20 off 14 before miscuing a shot to James Vince at mid-off, giving Sean Abbott his first wicket. The Stars were reduced to 27 for 2 within the powerplay.
Stabilization and Acceleration
Daniel Lawrence and Beau Webster tried to steady the ship with a 22-run partnership before Lawrence departed for 14, caught by Sean Abbott off Hayden Kerr. Webster, who played a composed knock of 48 off 42 balls, became a crucial anchor for the Stars. He combined with Glenn Maxwell to rebuild the innings after the Stars found themselves in trouble at 60 for 4.
Maxwell’s Magic
Maxwell’s innings of 58 not out off 32 balls, including five fours and three sixes, turned the game in the Stars’ favor. He took charge in the death overs, showcasing his wide array of shots. Maxwell’s calculated aggression ensured the Stars added 96 runs in the last 10 overs, lifting them to a competitive total. Hilton Cartwright contributed with an unbeaten 2 off 6 balls, offering support as Maxwell led the charge.
Sixers’ Bowling Efforts
Sean Abbott was the pick of the bowlers for the Sixers, finishing with figures of 4-0-29-3, dismantling the Stars’ top order. Hayden Kerr and Jack Edwards also chipped in with crucial breakthroughs, while Akeal Hosein and Todd Murphy contained the scoring during the middle overs.
Second Innings: Sixers Falter in Chase
Chasing 157, the Sydney Sixers managed to score 140 for 9, falling 16 runs short of the target. Despite a brilliant knock by James Vince, their batting lineup crumbled under pressure from the disciplined Stars’ bowlers.
Early Breakthroughs for the Stars
The chase began with an early blow as Josh Philippe was dismissed for 8 by Mark Steketee in the fourth over. Kurtis Patterson, who scored 18 off 18, tried to build a partnership with James Vince, but his stay was cut short by Usama Mir’s sharp leg-spin. At 56 for 2, the Sixers were under pressure, needing a significant partnership.
James Vince’s Lone Battle
James Vince played a captain’s knock, scoring 53 off 44 balls with six boundaries. He rotated the strike efficiently and punished loose deliveries, keeping the Sixers in contention. However, wickets fell at the other end, disrupting the momentum. Vince eventually fell to Marcus Stoinis in the 14th over, leaving the Sixers at 96 for 3.
Middle and Lower Order Collapse
Moises Henriques (13 off 11) and Jordan Silk (13 off 9) failed to capitalize on their starts, both falling to catches by Glenn Maxwell. Jack Edwards (9) and Ben Dwarshuis (4) also departed cheaply, leaving the tailenders with an uphill task. Hayden Kerr’s 21 off 15 offered a glimmer of hope, but he was dismissed in the 19th over, effectively sealing the Stars’ victory.
Stars’ Bowling Domination
The Stars’ bowlers were clinical in their execution. Mark Steketee stood out with figures of 3-0-14-3, dismantling the Sixers’ lower order. Peter Siddle and Marcus Stoinis also made crucial breakthroughs, while Usama Mir’s leg-spin added pressure in the middle overs, finishing with 4-0-19-2.
Key Moments of the Match
Maxwell’s Unbeaten Knock
Maxwell’s innings was the backbone of the Stars’ total. His calculated risks and powerful strokes in the final overs proved to be the difference between the two sides.
Abbott’s Early Strikes
Sean Abbott’s triple strike in the first innings had the Stars reeling at 60 for 4, but the Sixers failed to capitalize on the early advantage.
Vince’s Fighting Fifty
James Vince’s effort kept the Sixers in the game, but his dismissal triggered a collapse that the team could not recover from.
Steketee’s Late Spell
Mark Steketee’s disciplined bowling in the death overs ensured the Sixers’ tailenders could not pull off a miracle.
Statistical Highlights
Melbourne Stars Batting
- Glenn Maxwell: 58* (32), 5×4, 3×6, SR 181.25
- Beau Webster: 48 (42), 4×4, 1×6, SR 117.07
- Sean Abbott: 4-0-29-3
Sydney Sixers Batting
- James Vince: 53 (44), 6×4, SR 120.45
- Hayden Kerr: 21 (15), 1×4, 1×6, SR 140.00
- Mark Steketee: 3-0-14-3
Points Table and Implications
With this win, the Melbourne Stars solidify their position in the middle of the points table, staying in contention for the playoffs. The Sydney Sixers, on the other hand, will need to regroup and address their middle-order batting woes to remain competitive in the tournament.
Quotes from the Captains
Marcus Stoinis (Melbourne Stars):
“This was a team effort. Maxwell played an exceptional innings, and the bowlers executed the plans perfectly. It’s always special to win at the MCG.”
Moises Henriques (Sydney Sixers):
“We had our chances but failed to capitalize. Vince was brilliant, but the middle-order collapse hurt us. We’ll work on our mistakes and come back stronger.”
Conclusion
The Melbourne Stars’ victory showcased their ability to perform under pressure, with Glenn Maxwell and Mark Steketee leading the charge. For the Sydney Sixers, the loss highlighted the need for better middle-order support and sharper execution in crucial moments. As the Big Bash League progresses, both teams will look to build on their performances and strengthen their campaigns.
