BBL|14 [Twitter Reactions]: Glenn Maxwell’s explosive knock powers Melbourne Stars to a thrilling last-over victory against Sydney Sixers

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Melbourne Stars thrilling last-over victory against Sydney Sixers

In the 28th match of the Big Bash League 2024-25, held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Sydney Sixers won the toss and decided to bowl first. The decision came with the hope of restricting the Melbourne Stars to a modest total under the lights, but things didn’t go entirely as planned. The Stars posted a competitive total of 156/5 in their 20 overs, thanks to a masterclass from Glenn Maxwell in the middle overs.

Glenn Maxwell’s brilliant half-century guides Melbourne Stars

Maxwell, the Melbourne Stars’ talismanic batter, was in scintillating form as he anchored the team’s innings. Coming in at number six, Maxwell played an exceptional knock of 58 runs from just 32 balls, finding the boundary five times and clearing it three times with ease. His powerful hitting in the middle overs brought the Stars back on track after early wickets. Alongside him, Beu Webster provided valuable support with a steady knock of 48 runs from 41 balls, including two fours and a six. The pair’s partnership guided the Stars to a total that appeared challenging on a pitch with a hint of assistance for the bowlers.

Sydney Sixers’ bowling attack, led by the experienced Sean Abbott, managed to contain the Stars’ scoring at times. Abbott was the standout bowler, taking 3 wickets for 34 runs in his four overs, including key dismissals that kept the pressure on the Melbourne Stars. Fast bowlers Hayden Kerr and Jack Edwards also contributed with one wicket each, but Abbott’s performance was the highlight of the Sixers’ bowling effort. Despite his brilliance, the Sixers couldn’t quite contain Maxwell and Webster’s counterattack, allowing the Stars to post a competitive total.

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Melbourne Stars’ bowling dominates the run chase 

Chasing 157 for victory, the Sydney Sixers started cautiously, with opener James Vince leading the way. Vince played a steady knock of 53 runs off 44 balls, finding the boundary six times. However, he lacked support in the middle order, as wickets fell at regular intervals with that chase never gained momentum, and they ended up with just 140/9 in their 20 overs.

Melbourne Stars’ bowlers put up a clinical performance, led by Mark Steketee, who was the standout figure. Steketee took 3 wickets for 23 runs in his 3 overs, showcasing his ability to bowl under pressure. Usama Mir, Peter Siddle, and captain Marcus Stoinis each took two wickets, complementing Steketee’s performance and choking the Sixers’ progress. The Stars’ bowlers applied pressure throughout the innings, with tight fielding and well-executed death bowling, ultimately guiding the team to a well-deserved 16-run victory. Maxwell’s brilliant batting that earned him Player of the Match and Steketee’s exceptional bowling were the key highlights. Despite strong individual efforts from Vince, the Sydney Sixers fell short in their chase, with the Stars’ bowlers ensuring the victory. This win propels the Melbourne Stars further up the points table in the BBL 2024-25.

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