BBL 2024/25, MS vs HH 40th Match Match Report, January 19, 2025

Stars wanted a win to leapfrog Perth Scorchers into fourth place and qualify for the finals. They took care of enterprise in opposition to a Hurricanes group with little to play for.

After a woeful begin to the season with 5 straight defeats, Stars have gained vital momentum with 5 straight wins to ebook a knockout closing in opposition to Sydney Thunder on the Showgrounds.

The match was primarily a tune-up for Hurricanes, who had already locked up high spot and a house closing within the Qualifier in opposition to Sydney Sixers.

Maxwell ignites once more after Webster’s half-century

All eyes have been on Maxwell. However the huge crowd on the MCG needed to wait for his or her hero as openers Sam Harper and Thomas Rogers laid a strong platform.

Stars have badly struggled on the high of the order with Harper notably off form. However they peeled off 19 runs within the first two overs in the very best opening stand of the season for Stars.

Having ended a run of 5 straight single digit scores, Harper couldn’t go on with it after he was trapped lbw by the spin of Nikhil Chaudhary.

Maxwell, recent off his extraordinary 90 in opposition to Renegades, began quick and smashed Chaudhary down the bottom for six on his fourth supply. His presence had a profound impact on Webster, who shook from his slumber to place the foot down.

Webster hogged the strike, however did not cop the wrath of Maxwell’s legion of followers as he powered to his half-century with a six down the bottom.

Maxwell took over after Webster’s dismissal and had the gang within the palm of his fingers when he bought below a slower quick supply from left-arm fast Marcus Bean and with a flick of the wrists whacked it over high-quality leg.

He was unstoppable on the demise, clubbing a six off fast Cameron Gannon to achieve his half-century after which smashing two extra into the gang as Stars powered previous 200.

Mark Steketee took three wickets in his first two overs•Getty Photos

Hurricanes experiment with their assault

With little to play for, Hurricanes determined to play it protected. Spearhead Riley Meredith didn’t play whereas Nathan Ellis solely bowled one over with Ben McDermott on the Fox Sports activities broadcast saying he was managing a sore groin.

Ellis used the match to experiment and 7 bowlers have been used. Tim David’s useful offspin opened the bowling, whereas Chris Jordan bowled within the backend in his return from a again damage however struggled amid Maxwell’s onslaught.

With injured fast Billy Stanlake to overlook the finals, his place is up for grabs and seemingly a race between Bean and Gannon, freshly signed as Stanlake’s substitute.

Bean, plucked out of Tasmanian membership cricket, impressed in his skilled debut in opposition to Brisbane Warmth on the Gabba. Sporting a change of hair color, from gold to silver, Bean loved the wicket of Stoinis with a clumsy supply that climbed and hurried the batter.

However he suffered within the backend and so too did Gannon, who was enjoying within the BBL for the primary time in three years. He is been in excellent Sheffield Defend type, however Gannon struggled along with his lengths to complete with 0 for 48 off 4 overs. Bean took 1 for 45 off his 4.

Hurricanes have been additionally extraordinarily sloppy within the discipline to cap a forgettable efficiency.

Steketee continues robust type

Steketee struck once more two balls alter when Charlie Wakim drove straight to backward level. He trapped McDermott lbw in his subsequent over earlier than claiming Ellis on the finish to complete with 4 for twenty-four off 3.3 overs.

Owen unleashes early however in useless

He additionally took a liking to veteran fast Peter Siddle with a number of mighty blows, unleashing his appreciable energy, to motor to 34 off 10 balls. However he slowed down barely earlier than holing out on 38 as Hurricanes’ slim probabilities successfully ended.

Ellis top-scored with a fast 40 on the finish till he holed out to – fairly fittingly – Maxwell, who pumped his fist to the jubilant followers understanding Stars’ season will proceed.