Glenn Maxwell’s blitz powers Melbourne Stars into BBL 2024 Knockout

MELBOURNE: Glenn Maxwell’s swashbuckling 76-run knock powered Melbourne Stars to a thumping 40-run victory over Hobart Hurricanes in the 40th match of the Big Bash League (BBL) 14 here at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Sunday.

The Stars, who had a disastrous start to their BBL 14 campaign as they lost their opening five matches, won five consecutive matches to book their spot in the Knockout, where they will face Sydney Thunder on Wednesday.

In their last league match, the Stars, after being put into bat first, registered a massive total of 219/5 in the allotted 20 overs, courtesy of half-centuries by Beau Webster and Maxwell.

The duo also shared a match-defining fourth-wicket partnership, which yielded 70 runs in just 24 deliveries.

Webster scored 51 off 31 deliveries with the help of four fours and three sixes, while Maxwell, who carried his bat all the way through, top-scored for the hosts with an unbeaten 76 off just 32 balls, studded with five fours and six sixes.

For his quickfire knock, Glenn Maxwell was adjudged the player of the match.

For the Hurricanes, Marcus Bean, Cameron Gannon, Nathan Ellis, Nikhil Chaudhary and Owen took one wicket apiece.

Chasing a daunting 220-run target, the table-toppers’ batting lineup faltered and was unfolded on a modest 179 in 19.3 overs and thus succumbed to a gruelling 40-run defeat ahead of their Qualifier against Sydney Sixers, scheduled Tuesday.

Skipper Nathan Ellis top-scored for the Hurricanes with a 22-ball 40 down the order, followed by Owen’s 38 off 17, while Nikhil Chaudhary and Tim David chipped in with 27 each.

Mark Steketee was the standout bowler for Melbourne Stars, taking four wickets for just 24 runs in his 3.3 overs, while Usama Mir and Joel Paris took two each.

Tom Curran and Marcus Stoinis, on the other hand, struck out one batter apiece.