Adelaide Strikers scored a 15-run victory against Melbourne Stars in Match 6 a Big Bash League (BBL) 2024-25 at Adelaide Oval on Friday. The home team, led by some brilliant bowling and strong batting, successfully defended 165/6.
Adelaide Strikers set a perfect match
Electing to toss first after winning the toss, Stars started strongly, with their players maintaining strong lines in a power play. Matthew Short (11 off 9) and Jake Weatherald (11 off 10) fell early, leaving the Strikers at 56/2. However, D'Arcy Short closed the innings with a superb 60 off 42 balls, with two fours and two sixes.
Alex Ross provided vital support between the overs, smashing 35 off 26, including three sixes. James Bazley (16 off 13) and Jamie Overton (6 not out off 6) added back-to-back runs to reach 165/6 in 20 overs. The Stars' innings was led by Peter Siddle, who was 2/21 in his four overs, while Adam Milne chipped in with 2/32.
Melbourne Stars collapsed in the middle of the overs
Chasing 166, Stars stumbled early, losing Ben Duckett for a golden duck. Sam Harper steadied the innings with a solid 48 off 44 balls, but wickets kept falling over time, thanks to the bowling performance of the Strikers. Marcus Stoinis showed promise with a quick 27 from 19, and Glenn Maxwell played a cameo, smashing 15 off just five balls with two sixes.
The midfield slump, however, proved costly as the Stars struggled to make a deal. Hilton Cartwright (4 off 9), Beau Webster (3 off 5) and Tom Fraser Rogers (2 off 3) were unable to contribute much. Tom Curran kept the hope alive and hit 25 off 22 balls, but it wasn't enough to chase down the target.
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The bowling of the Strikers was exceptional, with Lloyd Pope stealing the show. The leg-spinner took 3/21 in his four overs, fooling the Stars batsmen with his variety. Matthew Short (2/23) and Jamie Overton (2/44) also played important roles, while Henry Thornton (1/16) was a money favorite throughout.
The match went down to the last minute, but the Strikers were brave, restricting Stars to 150/9 in their 20 overs.
An important win for the Adelaide Strikers in their clash with the Melbourne Stars 🏏#BBL14 #cricket
Scorecard 👉🏻: https://t.co/WdMYcAWVsH #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/TLclJRrYk4– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 20, 2024
The win opened the Adelaide Strikers' account on the points table, while the Melbourne Stars were winless after their third game.
Player of the Match honors had to go to Lloyd Pope for his comical performance that ended the Stars' chase.
A stunning comeback from Lloyd Pope based on what was a brutal night.
– Daniel Cherny (@DanielCherny) December 20, 2024
The Strikers meet again Brisbane heatwhile the Stars want to reunite with the Sydney Sixers.