Stars spin way to second win

The Player: Arguably the most destructive all-rounder in world cricket, Stars’ captain Glenn Maxwell delivered an outstanding three-dimensional performance in Tasmania to launch the Stars into the top four of the BBL ladder.

Maxwell emulated his role in Australia’s recent ICC World Cup victory, finishing with figures of 3-29 from his four over spell as he deployed his bowlers to perfection, favouring spin for a large chunk through the middle of the innings. 

The skipper delivered a much-needed breakthrough in the first over after drinks, breaking a steady partnership to put the hosts on the back foot. Maxwell struck in quick succession to remove Sam Hain, Caleb Jewell and Tim David, shaking off a blow to the hand to deliver during a crucial period which saw the Hurricanes lose 4-12. 

With bat in hand, the ‘Maxi’ carried his bat after forming a partnership with Sam Harper at the top of the order, striking four maximums as he finished unbeaten on 35* from just 18 deliveries to seal the win in the seventh and final over of the match. 

The Moment: It wouldn’t be a signature Glenn Maxwell innings without a switch-hit into the seats for six! The skipper launched a left-handed strike over backward square, capping off a 17-run over from Paddy Dooley to halt the run rate and ultimately propel the Stars to a final over win. 

The Result: Fresh off their first victory of BBL|13 against the Sixers, skipper Glenn Maxwell opted to stick with a winning formula, choosing to field first on a cool night in Hobart. 

Seamer Joel Paris got some purchase on the ball early, swinging it away from the Hurricanes’ left handed opening duo to remove Australian T20 captain Matthew Wade in the first over of the match. 

Usama Mir broke through with his first delivery of the night to remove Mac Wright, as the Stars’ outfield catching was on point early in the form of Hilton Cartwright and Marcus Stoinis. 

Thursday evening’s matchup signalled Maxwell’s return to the bowling crease after previously returning from an elbow injury as the Stars utilised seven options from a versatile XI selected for the Apple Isle contest.

Spin was the main theme of the innings, with 10 out of an 11 over stretch coming from Mir (1-24), Maxwell (3-29) and Imad Wasim (1-16) following the 5th over. 

Paceman Haris Rauf returned to the attack to clean up the tail, claiming three wickets from his final seven deliveries as he and Mir finished on a high note in their final game of BBL|13, with the pair now set to depart for national duties. 

Tom Rogers and Sam Harper combined for a run out to see the back of the Hurricanes’ innings, with the Stars dismissing the home side for 155 in 19.4 overs. 

After showers delayed the start of the second innings, the Stars were set a target of 67 runs from seven overs under the DLS method, with Maxwell (35* off 18) and Rogers (21* off 14) shining bright as the Stars secured a seven wicket win in Tasmania. 

The Stars will now head to South Australia to take on the Strikers in a New Year’s Eve clash at the Adelaide Oval.