The much-anticipated Melbourne Derby took place at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on January 4, 2025. Melbourne Stars struggle with Melbourne Renegades in the 23rd game a Big Bash League (BBL) 2024-25 weather. The game is known for its fun games from Ben Duckettwhose burst saw the Stars win by 5 wickets, securing their second win of the season.
Melbourne Renegades tackle the willow
Winning the toss, the Melbourne Stars opted to bowl first, a decision that could be crucial as they look to stop their opponents. The MCG, known for its atmosphere and complexity, set up an exciting encounter. The Renegades, batting first, managed to post 168 runs for 7 wickets in their allotted 20 overs, setting a target of 169 runs for the Stars.
The Renegades shoot got off to a shaky start. They lost their first wicket early Josh Brown he was fired in just 6 games. Jake Fraser-McGurk and Tim Seifert followed suit, leaving the team struggling at 53 for 3. However, Jacob in Bethel and Jonathan Wells he inspired the innings with a partnership that brought calm. Bethell scored a commendable 49 runs off 36 balls, while Wells scored 45 runs off 31 balls.
The late rise from Laurie Evanswho scored 24 runs off just 11 balls, helped the Renegades reach the tournament, but it was clear that they left room for improvement. Joel Paris he was the standout bowler, taking 2 wickets for 23 runs, displaying a bowling performance that kept the Renegades in control throughout their innings.
Also WATCH: Joel Paris' bid fails to dislodge Jacob Bethell in BBL 2024-2025
A brilliant display by Ben Duckett in the Melbourne Stars innings
Chasing 169 runs, the Stars once again faced early challenges. They lost Thomas Rogers and Sam Harper quickly, leaving them in a 3 to 2 deficit. However, Duckett's arrival at the crease changed the course of the game. He played a solid 67 runs off 49 balls, hitting four boundaries and three sixes. His ability to flex the batting and score at critical moments helped lead his team to victory.
Duckett received important support from Marcus Stoinis and Hilton Cartwright. Stoinis scored 48 runs off 35 balls, while Cartwright remained unbeaten on 24 runs off just 12 balls, ensuring Stars crossed with two balls to spare. The partnership between Duckett and Stoinis was crucial as they built a solid foundation after early wickets fell. Gurinder Sandhu proved to be the lone warrior, taking 3 wickets for 29 runs in his four overs against the Renegades who showed great courage.
The match ended with the Melbourne Stars winning by 5 wickets, marking a huge win that would revive their season. Duckett's performance earned him the Player of the Match award, highlighting his vital role in the derby.
Here's how Twitter did it:
Ben Duckett's 3rd half-century in this BBL season. 👌#Avisha#BigBrother #StarAcademyLeLive #LingOrm #DailynewsAwards2024 #WinterAhead #Jungdang #Dad #IRENE #AIart #DailynewsAwards2024xLMSY pic.twitter.com/tcukW8khwB
– Cricket Fan 🇮🇳🧢 (@I_am_Unkar007) January 4, 2025
Most Fifties in BBL 2024-25
– Ben Duckett: 3 Fifties
– Finn Allen: 2 Fifties
– Cooper Connolly: 2 Fifties
– Dan Lawrence: 1 Fifty
– Sam Konstas: 1 Fifty pic.twitter.com/nJ0aTXIxGf– Akshay Tadvi 🇮🇳 (@AkshayTadvi28) January 4, 2025
Well done from Ben Duckett 👏 pic.twitter.com/1wDD3X3hrM
– Melbourne Stars (@StarsBBL) January 4, 2025
Ben Duckett is a cricket star!#BBL14 #zelena3E pic.twitter.com/qI5jAEIdTq
– Ritu Jaipur (@Ritukd31) January 4, 2025
Melbourne is our baby, Up the stars 💚🌟 #bbl14 https://t.co/MwuAZxuUnG
— Patrick Malone 🤎💛 (@pattymalone2000) January 4, 2025
Melbourne Stars second win of the season 🏏#Cricket #BigBashLeague #MelbourneStars #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/vyXYL6tQih
– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 4, 2025
A monster 121m hit by Cartwright sealed the deal for the Stars in the Melbourne derby.#BBL14 #MelbourneDerby #MSvsMR
– Priyank (@Priyank_Gaurav) January 4, 2025
Remember that it is not called Ben Duckett but Douquet
##BBL14 pic.twitter.com/tirNO2RGhr
— Jason Ford (@TheFordFactor) January 4, 2025
Disappointing result tonight. #BBL14 #GETONRED pic.twitter.com/mLugjx4bq3
– Melbourne Renegades (@RenegadesBBL) January 4, 2025
Melbourne Stars win by 5 wickets. Interesting reading Joel Paris 2/23. Best knock Ben Duckett 67(49)[Player of the Match]. Well played by Marcus Stoinis 48(35).@StarsBBL #BBL14 #MSvMR @BenDuckett1 @MStoinis
– JaayShaan (VaidhyaJayaShankar) (@JaayShaan) January 4, 2025