Match Summary
Tonight’s a big one Stars fans – we face the Brisbane Heat in which a win could guarantee us a home Semi-Final and help solidify our spot on top of the BBL ladder. With the boys having got their season back on track and having won three games in a row, they will no doubt be determined to keep their winning streak going.
Last Time We Met
Brisbane Heat 7-188 def. Melbourne Stars 9-132 by 56 runs.
It was a game we would rather forget last time we played the Heat, suffering a 56-run loss. Simmons and Lynn starred with the bat for the boys in blue, making 44 and 56 respectively, helping the Heat to a big total. Although the Gobbler remained unbeaten on 61, and both Hilf and Zamps took two wickets each, Badree’s five-wicket haul proved too much for our boys and they couldn’t quite get over the line.
Players to Watch
Luke Wright
It's Wrighty's 50th game for the Big Bash and the Stars tonight and we couldn't be more proud of this original #TeamGreen member! With multiple BBL centuries under his belt, Wrighty is one of our best batsman ever and has again been another important part to our success this season. With a rare milestone to mark his game tonight, we just know some Luke Wright magic is on its way. The Heat better watch out for this Star!
Adam Zampa
THE HEADBAND IS BACK! Released from the Aussie ODI squad to play in tonight’s match, Zamps will be back in the Stars uniform and ready to spin a web around the Heat! He’s been one of our best bowlers in BBL|06 and his leg-spin always proves trouble for our opposition. We know Zamps is pumped and just itching to get out on the pitch and do some damage!
Marcus Stoinis
Stoin had his best game for the season on Saturday night against the Scorchers and really showed what he’s capable of with both the bat and ball. Smashing 40* off 23 balls, Stoin also took 1-28 off his four overs. After that knock he’s now got our best average with the bat and Stoin will definitely be looking to continue that form into tonight’s match.
Mark Steketee
Steketee is one of the Heat’s leading wicket-takers for the season, claiming nine scalps from his six matches. He is also one of the team’s most economical bowlers which means he will be a real challenge for our boys tonight. Steketee’s best bowling figures of 3-32 is the best for the Heat all season, so in a crucial clash for the boys in blue, he will be one of their biggest weapons.
Alex Ross
With Lynn and McCullum out of tonight’s match, Ross is the Heat’s leading run-scorer and we reckon is the danger wicket for our boys. Ross’ highest score of the season is 64 so we know he can go big. He top-scored in the Heat’s last match against the Scorchers, making 39 off 40 balls, and will no doubt be the go-to man for the boys in blue tonight.
Recent Form
Melbourne Stars
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The boys have been absolutely smashing it of late, coming off three wins against the Renegades, Strikers and the Scorchers. The absence of Maxi and Faulks has proved no problem for the team, with the boys simply digging in and stepping up to storm to the top of the BBL ladder. A home Semi-Final is on the line and we can’t wait to see what the boys can produce tonight!
Brisbane Heat
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The Heat have had a bit of an up and down run of late, with three wins and two losses from their last five games. Their last game saw them fall to the Scorchers and we know they will be determined to get back on the winners list tonight. A win tonight would see the boys in blue jump to the top of the ladder so they have plenty to fight for in tonight’s clash. Bring it on!
It’s not too late to grab your tickets to our second-last match of the season Stars fans! We know tonight’s game is going to be absolutely action-packed and you do NOT want to miss this top-of-the-table clash. The game starts at 7.40pm so make sure you’re at the MCG nice and early to enjoy all the fun. You can also catch the boys LIVE on Channel 10 from 7.30pm.