Challenger, Melbourne, February 06, 2020, 02:10 PM
Melbourne Stars
194/2(20ov)
Sydney Thunder
166/8(20ov)
Melbourne Stars beat Sydney Thunder by 28 runs
Best Batsmen
R
B
4S
6S
SR
Best Bowler
O
R
W
Econ
Man of the Match
Nick Larkin
Commentry
That's it from this game then! Sydney Thunder bow down after a terrific season. They stormed till here with a 3-match winning streak but Melbourne Stars have thumped them here to enter back-to-back finals of the tournament. They will meet Sydney Sixers in Sydney for the final showdown on 8th February. The game will begin at 1915 local (0815 GMT). We will love your company for that game. Till then, goodbye!
NICK LARKIN IS NAMED THE MAN OF THE MATCH! Says that they put on a huge total. Tells that they were trying to find the gaps and hit the ball hard. Praises Stoinis' knock and tells that he was outstanding with the bat. Adds that they will look to be at their best against the Sixers and is hoping that it will be a good final.
The Stars were excellent with the ball and they never allowed the Thunder batters to score freely. Coulter-Nile and Rauf were brilliant in their spells and accounted for 5 opposition wickets, giving away just 46 runs in 8 overs. Zampa got some stick during his 4 overs but he got two important wickets.
The run chase never got going for the Sydney Thunder as they kept losing wickets at regular intervals. They lost their top 3 inside the Powerplay and it looked like the Stars will roll them over easily. However, Alex Ross and Arjun Nair fought back with a 58-run stand but in the end they were left with a little too many. The duo had to go after the bowling in search of quick runs. They perished in the process and in the end, they fell well short of the target.
A comprehensive victory in the end for the Melbourne Stars sees them storm into the finals. They made the trip to the finals in the last season too but failed to cross the final hurdle. They will now try to go one step better and bag the BBL Trophy.
19.6
.
Slower ball to finish! MELBOURNE STARS ARE INTO THE FINALS OF BBL 09. It is bowled on middle, Tremain looks to heave it away but fails to make any connection on it. The Stars win by 28 runs.
19.5
.
BOUNCER! A good one at that. He bends his back and bowls it around middle, Tremain does well to sway away from it.
19.4
.
Slower delivery on middle, Tremain looks to pull but fails to get any bat on it due to slowness of the ball.
19.3
1
Full delivery on middle, McAndrew flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Chris Tremain makes his way out to the middle.
19.2
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Nic Maddinson takes a very good catch and now Lenton departs. Good length ball on off, Lenton looks to heave this one towards the leg side but gets a top edge on this one. It flies towards the mid-wicket region inside the circle. Maddinson settles himself under it and takes the catch on the second attempt. Stars enjoying their way to the victory now.
19.1
1lb
Leg bye! Length ball on the pads, McAndrew looks to flick but misses to get hit on the thigh pad. The ball rolls towards the leg side and the batters take a leg bye.
In over# 1
2
1lb
1
2
4
0W
Nathan Coulter-Nile 29/2(4)
18.6
2
Full delivery on middle, Lenton drives it to the long on region for a couple.
18.5
1lb
Short of a length ball on the pads, McAndrew looks to pull but gets hit around the body. The ball rolls to the leg side and the batters steal a leg bye.
18.4
1
Back of a length ball on off, Lenton punches this aerially over covers for a single.
18.3
2
Back of a length ball on middle, pulled towards mid-wicket and the batters take a couple.
18.2
4
EDGED AND FOUR! Back of a length ball way outside off, Lenton looks to go for a wild heave but the ball goes off the outside edge towards the third man fence for a boundary.
Nathan McAndrew walks in next.
18.1
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Another wicket falls and the Melbourne Stars are closing in on the finals of BBL 09. Coulter-Nile gets his second wicket. He is having an excellent game. First a run out and now two wickets as well. Short of a length ball on middle, Sams looks to pull but it takes the top edge and it goes towards deep mid-wicket. Nick Larkin settles himself under it and takes a simple catch.
Nathan Coulter-Nile to bowl out!
In over# 1
1
0
0
1
0
1
Haris Rauf 16/2(3)
17.6
1
Short of a length ball on middle, Sams pulls it to the leg side for a run. 41 required from the last two overs.
17.5
.
Slower short ball outside off, Sams is early into his pull and he misses.
17.4
.
Short of a length outside off, Sams looks to cut but fails to make any connection to it.
17.3
1
Fullish delivery on off, Lenton pushes it down to mid off and takes off for a single. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. Would have been close had he hit.
17.2
.
Short of a length ball outside off, Lenton looks to pull but fails to get any bat on it.
17.1
1
Good length ball on middle, Sams flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Haris Rauf is back into the attack. 2-0-13-2, his figures so far.
In over# 1
1
0W
6
0W
1wd
6
2
Adam Zampa 43/2(4)
16.6
1
Dropped! A tough chance though! Fires this one just outside off, Sams looks to cut but gets an outside edge. The ball goes to Gotch quickly who cannot pouch it. It hits his hand and goes to third man for a single. 16 runs from the over but couple of big scalps in the over.
Jay Lenton is the new man in!
16.5
W
OUT! Caught! Nair too holes out in search of quick runs. Zampa has another wicket. Bowls it wide outside off, Nair goes after it and looks to smash it over long off but fails to get the distance. It goes straight to Handscomb who makes no mistake.
16.4
6
SIX! Smashed down the ground. Another loopy ball on middle, Nair slams it over the long on fence for a maximum.
Daniel Sams is the new man in.
16.3
W
OUT! Caught! Excellent catch from Maddinson and this ends the top knock from Ross. A huge wicket for the Stars. Zampa tosses it up again and invites Ross for another slog. He obliges but fails to time it well. Maddinson from deep mid-wicket runs to his right and dives forward to take the catch.
16.3
1wd
WIDE! Fires it wide outside off, Ross lets it be. Wided.
16.2
6
SIX! Tonked! This time he makes the connection. Another flighted ball on middle, Ross reaches out and slogs it over the deep mid-wicket for a biggie.
16.1
2
50-run stand is up between Ross and Nair. Floated ball on middle, Ross looks to slog it away but mistimes it towards deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.
Adam Zampa will finish his quota of overs. 3-0-27-0 are his figures.
In over# 1
0
0
1
1
4
0
Nathan Coulter-Nile 20/1(3)
15.6
.
Length ball around off, Nair goes for the pull but does not connect. Excellent over from Coulter-Nile, just 6 from the over.
15.5
.
Good length ball on off, Nair taps it onto the pitch and thinks of a run but decides against it.
15.4
1
Half-century for Ross! Top innings from him so far. He gets a length ball on middle, tucks it behind square leg for a single. His job is not done yet and if the Thunder want to reach the finals, he will be the key man for them.
15.3
1
Another short of a length ball on middle, Nair backs away and punches it down the ground. Nathan looks to stop the ball but it hits his hands and goes past the stumps. Could've easily gone onto hit the stumps. A single taken.
15.2
4
TOP EDGE AND FOUR! Lucky runs! Short of a length ball on middle, Nair looks to pull but gets a top edge. It flies over the keeper and rolls towards the fine leg fence.
15.1
.
In the channel outside off, Nair looks to force it towards the off side but misses.
Nathan Coulter-Nile is back on. 2-0-14-1 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
1
1lb
2
1
6
1
Daniel Worrall 29/0(4)
14.6
1
Length ball on the pads, worked towards mid-wicket for a single. 12 runs from the 15th over. 66 needed of 30 balls.
14.5
1lb
Huge appeal turned down! It is a slower one on the pads, Ross looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. They appeal but nothing from the umpire. The ball rolls towards the off side and a leg bye is taken
14.4
2
A couple now! Brilliant running again! A length ball on middle, Ross tucks it towards long on and scampers back for the second.
14.3
1
Full and on the pads, Nair flicks it towards fine leg for a single.
14.2
6
SIX! Wallop! This is a much-needed biggie! A few more of these will make this run chase pretty interesting. Length ball on middle, Nair extends his arms and slams it over long on for a maximum.
14.1
1
Worrall bowls a length ball on middle, Ross taps it towards point for a single.
Daniel Worrall to bowl out. 3-0-18-0 are his figures.
In over# 1
1
0
2
1
1
4
Adam Zampa 27/0(3)
13.6
1
Misses out on a full toss! It is at a perfect height too. Ross finds Maxwell at deep mid-wicket for a single.
13.5
.
Flatter and around off, pushed back to the bowler.
13.4
2
Excellent running between the wickets! Short and around off, Ross cuts it through point and returns for the second.
13.3
1
Very full ball on off, Nair strokes it to long on for a run.
13.2
1
Follows the batter as Ross once again tries backing away. Zampa bowls it quick too. Ross cuts it towards third man for a single.
13.1
4
FOUR! Crunched! Top start to the over for the Thunder. Short one and on middle, Ross backs away and slams it through cover-point to bag a boundary.
Tactical Time-Out has been taken. Adam Zampa to bowl post this mini-break.
In over# 1
4
4
1
4
1
1
Marcus Stoinis 15/0(1)
12.6
4
EDGED AND FOUR! 15 runs from the over. Good length ball outside off, Nair looks to heave it away. It goes off the top edge and the ball goes to the third man region for a boundary. 87 runs more required from 42 balls.
12.5
4
FOUR! This is now turning out to be a good over for the Thunder. Short ball down the leg side, Nair pulls it to the fine leg region for a boundary.
12.4
1
Good length ball on middle, Ross flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
12.3
4
FOUR! This is poor bowling. Stoinis has not bowled much in this edition of the BBL and is looking rusty. Short delivery around the pads, Ross pulls it to the backward square leg region for a boundary.
12.2
1
Full delivery on off, Nair comes down the track and drives it to mid off for a single.
12.1
1
Stoinis starts with a full toss on the pads, Ross cannot do much with it as he flicks this one away to fine leg for a single.
Look who is ready to bowl! The man with a superb half ton earlier in the game, Marcus Stoinis is into the attack.
In over# 1
0
1
2
1lb
1
0
Daniel Worrall 18/0(3)
11.6
.
BEATEN! Short of a length outside off, Nair looks to cut but fails to get any bat on it.
11.5
1
The batsman has driven it straight down the ground. They pick up a single.
11.4
2
On a length on off, Ross taps it to third man and takes off for a couple. Haris Rauf there is slow to react and that allows the batters to scamper back for the second. Rauf fires the throw towards the keeper's end who tries to push the ball on the stumps with a tumble but misses.
11.3
1lb
Appeal for LBW turned down. Back of a length ball around middle, Nair looks to pull but gets hit on the pads. The ball rolls to point and a leg bye taken.
11.2
1
Full delivery on the pads, Ross flicks it to deep square leg for a single.
11.1
.
Good length ball on off, Ross defends it to point. Nair wants the single but is sent back.
Daniel Worrall is back on! 2-0-14-0 from him so far.
In over# 1
1
1
0W
1
0
1
Haris Rauf 13/2(2)
10.6
1
EDGY! Short ball around off, Ross looks to pull but it takes the bottom edge and rolls just past the stump. They take off for a single. Rauf runs ahead and then tries to kick it onto the stumps but fails to do so.
10.5
1
Full toss on middle, Nair works it to fine leg for a single.
Arjun Nair walks in next.
10.4
W
OUT! TIMBER! Another bowling change works and Rauf's wonderful tournament continues. Stars inch closer and closer to a place in the final now. Fullish one on middle and leg, Morris makes room and looks to swing hard. He does not get any bat on it and the ball goes onto hit the stumps.
10.3
1
On a length on off, Ross punches it to cover for a single.
10.2
.
BEATEN! Good length ball outside off, Ross looks to defend but misses it.
10.1
1
Rauf dishes a full one down the leg side, Morris makes room and pushes it down to long on for a single.
Haris Rauf is back on! 1-0-9-1 from him so far.
In over# 1
1
1
6
0
1
1
Clint Hinchliffe 10/0(1)
9.6
1
Short ball on off, Morris punches it to long off for a single. 84/3 at the halfway mark. The Sydney Thunder need 111 runs in the last 10 overs. Can they do it?
9.5
1
Flatter one on middle, Ross reverse sweeps it to point for a single.
9.4
6
SIX! Nice use of the feet this time. Looped up ball on middle, Ross puts on his dancing shoes on and lifts it over long on for a biggie.
9.3
.
Tossed up ball around off, Ross comes down the track and looks to flick. He misses and gets hit on the pads.
9.2
1
Floated ball on middle, Morris makes room and drives it to long on for a run.
9.1
1
Hinchliffe starts with a full delivery on off, Ross sweeps it to deep square leg for a single.
Clint Hinchliffe is on now.
In over# 1
0
0
1
1
6
1
Adam Zampa 18/0(2)
8.6
.
Flatter one on off, punched to cover to end the over.
8.5
.
Outside off, Morris drives but finds Maxwell at cover.
8.4
1
Floated on middle, Ross drives it towards long on for a single.
8.3
1
Loopy one on middle, Morris dances down and drives it to long on for a single.
8.2
6
SIX! A rank long hop and it has been put away with disdain. A short delivery on middle, Morris stands tall and pulls it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.
8.1
1
Zampa bowls a loopy full ball on middle, Ross pushes it towards cover-point and takes a single.
In over# 1
1
6
0
1
2
0
Nathan Coulter-Nile 14/1(2)
7.6
1
Short ball on middle, Ross punches it to long on for a single. 10 runs have come from the over.
7.5
6
SIX! Thunder need more of these. Short of a length ball outside off, Ross upper cuts it. Rauf comes across from third man and jumps but the ball goes over him for a maximum.
7.4
.
Very full delivery on middle, Ross pushes it back to the bowler.
7.3
1
Length ball on middle, Morris flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
7.2
2
DROPPED! This was not an easy chance but it will go down as a dropped catch. Good length ball on off, Morris makes room and then looks to play it over long off. It takes the top edge of Morris' blade and goes towards the point region. Maddinson from point runs back and dives full-stretch, gets his fingertips on the ball but fails to hold onto the catch. Two runs taken.
7.1
.
Good length ball on middle, Morris defends it back to the bowler.
Change of ends for Nathan Coulter-Nile. 1-0-4-1 from him so far.
In over# 1
0
4
1
2
2
0
Adam Zampa 9/0(1)
6.6
.
Flatter one on the pads, Ross looks to flick but gets hit on the pads. There is a mild appeal for LBW but the umpire shakes his head.
6.5
4
FOUR! Reverse swept nicely! Floated ball on middle, Ross reverse sweeps it towards the deep point region for a boundary.
6.4
1
On off, punched towards cover for a single.
6.3
2
Slight misfield! Full on middle, Morris drives it towards mid on. The fielder there misfields allowing the batters to make it back for the second.
6.2
2
EDGY! Short of a length ball outside off, Morris looks to cut but it takes the outside edge and the ball rolls towards third man. Two taken.
6.1
.
Flatter one on off, Morris pushes it to cover.
Adam Zampa into the attack now.
In over# 1
0
2
3
0W
4
0
Haris Rauf 9/1(1)
5.6
.
Good length ball on the pads, Ross looks to flick but gets hit on the thigh pad. 46/3 after the Powerplay and the Stars are well on top at the moment.
5.5
2
Good length ball on middle, Ross punches it down the ground. The batters take two before the fielder comes across and clean it up.
5.4
3
Full delivery outside off, Morris squeezes it through cover. Worrall comes across and dives to make the stop. Three taken.
Chris Morris is the new man in.
5.3
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Rauf gets the wicket with a short ball. Thunder sink further into trouble. Rauf has been one of the finds of the tournament and he has delivered yet again. Short delivery down the leg side, Ferguson looks to pull but it takes the gloves and goes towards the keeper. Gotch makes no mistake and Ferguson has to walk back disappointed.
5.2
4
FOUR! Not a bad ball but this was a very good shot. Full delivery outside off, Ferguson prods forward and drives it through the cover region for a boundary.
5.1
.
Length ball around off, Ferguson pushes it towards mid off.
Haris Rauf to bowl now.
In over# 1
1
0
1
0
2
0W
Nathan Coulter-Nile 4/1(1)
4.6
1
Length ball on off, Ferguson guides it to third man for a single. End of a successful over from Nathan Coulter-Nile. Just the 4 runs and wicket off it.
4.5
.
BEATEN! Short ball outside off, Ferguson looks to pull but fails to connect.
4.4
1
The batsman works it down the leg side. They pick up a single.
4.3
.
Length ball on middle, worked to mid-wicket.
4.2
2
EDGY! Good work from Rauf. Good length ball on off, Ross looks to defend but it takes the outside edge and goes towards third man. Rauf comes across, dives and makes a good stop. A couple taken.
Alex Ross joins skipper Callum Ferguson out in the middle.
4.1
W
OUT! Dragged on! What a bowling change from Maxwell! The skipper brings on Nathan Coulter-Nile and he delivers. He cannot be kept out of this game. Coulter-Nile was first involved in a run out and now gets the breakthrough again. Full delivery on middle, Khawaja makes room and then looks to heave it away on the leg side. He gets an inside edge and the ball goes onto hit the stumps. Sydney Thunder are struggling now.
Nathan Coulter-Nile is on now.
In over# 1
1
4
1
3
1
1
Glenn Maxwell 19/0(2)
3.6
1
On the pads, flicked towards mid-wicket for one. 11 runs come off the over and a dropped catch as well.
3.5
4
FOUR! Finally Khawaja gets one off the middle of the bat as he lofts this one over the man at mid off and bags a boundary.
3.4
1
Shortish delivery on middle, pulled towards mid-wicket for a single.
3.3
3
Floated ball on off, again Khawaja looks to go over cover and this time gets better connection. Still it is not good enough and Hinchliffe does well to put in a diving effort and save a run for his side.
3.2
1
On the pads, Ferguson flicks this one towards mid-wicket for a single.
3.1
1
DROPPED! Clint Hinchliffe has put this down and one must say it was a tough chance. Floated delivery on off, Khawaja looks to loft this one over the man at cover-point. However, he does not get the timing on it and the ball goes to the left of Clint. He puts in a flying effort, gets two hands on it but the ball pops out of his hands and goes behind. The batters take a single and Khawaja survives.
In over# 1
1
0W
0
3
4
0
Daniel Worrall 14/0(2)
2.6
1
The batsman has hit the ball straight over the bowlers head. One run added to the total.
Callum Ferguson, the skipper, walks out now. He has a huge job on his hands and this is the moment when his side need him to step up the most.
2.5
W
OUT! RUN OUT! Hales is just short of his crease and Coulter-Nile has to be credited for this wicket. Good length ball on middle, Hales works it to mid on and takes off for a single. Nathan Coulter-Nile collects the ball and throws it to the bowler's end. He hits the stumps and the umpire takes it upstairs. The replays roll in and they show that Hales was short of his crease. It is a big, big wicket for the Stars as Hales has been in good form and can take the game away in no time.
Run out appeal! This looks tight and Alex Hales is the man in question. Replays roll in and show that Hales is just short!!!
2.4
.
Length ball on off, Hales drives but finds Zampa at cover.
2.3
3
Short ball outside off, Khawaja drives it towards deep cover. Larkin at cover may have gotten a hand on it but the ball is racing to the fence. Maddinson comes across and dives to make a good stop. Three taken.
2.2
4
FOUR! Some good innovation from Khawaja! Full delivery on middle, Khawaja goes across the off stump and scoops it over the short fine leg fielder for a boundary.
2.1
.
Fullish outside off, Khawaja drives but finds the cover fielder.
In over# 1
2
2
2
0
1
1
Glenn Maxwell 8/0(1)
1.6
2
Maxwell tosses this one up on middle, Alex flicks it to deep square leg and picks up a couple before the fielder can come across and clean it up.
1.5
2
Floated on middle, Hales works it to the leg side for a couple.
1.4
2
Looped up ball on the pads, Hales flicks it nicely towards deep square leg. Hinchliffe runs across and makes a good diving stop. The batters take two.
1.3
.
Loopy delivery down the leg side, Hales looks to sweep but gets hit on the pads. The ball goes to the keeper.
1.2
1
Floated ball outside off, Khawaja dances down the track and then drives it wide of mid off. Maddinson dives to make the stop. A single taken.
1.1
1
Maxwell starts with a full delivery on the pads, Hales pushes it down to mid on for a single.
Spin from the other end. It is skipper Glenn Maxwell who will roll his arms.
In over# 1
0
0
1
1
0
4
Daniel Worrall 6/0(1)
0.6
.
Short ball down the leg side, Khawaja makes room and then looks to pull but gets hit on the thigh pad. 6 runs�come from the first over and a good start from the Stars.
0.5
.
BEATEN! Nicely bowled from Worrall! Good length ball outside off, Khawaja looks to defend but fails to get any bat on it.
0.4
1
Back of a length ball outside off, Hales gets off the mark by cutting this to deep point for a single.
0.3
1
On a length on middle, Usman works it to square leg for a single.
0.2
.
An appeal for LBW turned down. Good length ball on the leg stump line, Khawaja comes down the pitch and then looks to flick. It hits him on the pads. Worrall and the rest appeal but the umpire shakes his head.
0.1
4
FOUR! Good start for the Thunder and Khawaja! Worrall starts with a fullish delivery outside off, Khawaja prods forward and drives it through the cover region for a boundary.
We are back for the run chase. The Stars' players take their positions out on the field. Usman Khawaja and Alex Hales are the two openers for the Thunder. Daniel Worrall with the ball first up. Here we go..
Right then, 195 to win a place in the final. That's what Thunder will need. They have a quality batting line-up at their disposal. But they will face a stern test from the Stars bowling attack. We have an exciting run chase loading up. Join us in a while.
Marcus Stoinis is up for a quick chat. Says that he is really happy with his batting. Tells that the total is a good one and feels that if they bowl well, they should be able to defend it. On being asked if he will bowl, he hints that he might.
The entire Thunder bowling looked off-color and were pummeled by the duo of Stoinis and Larkin. After the Powerplay, the bowlers did bowl a few economical overs but could not manage to topple either of Stoinis or Larkin for a long time. Morris bowled well in his 4 overs, picking up a couple of wickets for 30 runs.
After opting to bat, the Stars started well but once Maddinson departed, the Thunder bowlers tightened the screws for a few overs. However, once Stoinis and Larkin got themselves in, they were thumped all over the park. Stoinis continued his terrific run in the tournament and played a superb knock of 83 runs. He got out but Larkin made sure the Stars reached closer to 200 with an unbeaten 83.
In a crunch game, they say that win the toss and put a good score on the board. Melbourne Stars have just done that, courtesy brilliant half tons from Marcus Stoinis and Nick Larkin.
19.6
1b
Very good bowling from Sams! He dishes another slower one on the pads, Maxwell fails to dig it out and the ball goes to the keeper. Maxwell takes off for a bye, Larkin obliges and makes it to the striker's end easily. MELBOURNE STARS FINISH ON 194/2.
19.5
1
Another yorker on the pads, Larkin looks to dig it out but it takes the inside edge and goes towards short fine leg. The fielder dives to make a good stop but cannot stop the batters from taking a single.
19.4
2
Yorker on middle and leg, Larkin digs it out towards deep square leg. Before the fielder can come across and clean it up, the batters pick up a couple.
19.3
6
SIX! Whacked! This has been some innings from Nick Larkin. Fullish outside off, Larkin lifts it over the extra cover region for a maximum.
19.2
4
FOUR! This is poor bowling! Short delivery on off, Larkin makes room and plays it over the mid off fielder for a boundary.
19.2
1wd
WIDE! Very full delivery outside off, Larkin looks to dig it out but fails to get any bat on it. Wide signaled.
19.1
2
Short ball outside off, Larkin looks to punch it towards cover but it takes the top half of the bat and goes towards deep cover. A couple taken.
In over# 1
1
2
1
0
1
2
Chris Morris 30/2(4)
18.6
1
Full delivery on off, Nick plays it down to long off for a single. Only 7 runs from Morris' last over.
18.5
2
On middle, Larkin whips it to deep mid-wicket. Before the fielder collects it, the batters make it back for the second.
18.4
1
Good length ball on off, Maxwell looks to heave it away to the leg side but it takes the toe end of the bat and the ball goes to cover. A single taken.
18.3
.
PLAY AND A MISS! Full delivery outside off, Maxwell looks to play the reverse scoop but misses it altogether.
18.2
1
Fullish on middle, Larkin works it to long on for a single.
18.1
2
Low full toss on middle, Larkin whips it wide of long on and takes a couple.
In over# 1
1
6
4
1
1
1
Daniel Sams 25/0(3)
17.6
1
Fullish on middle, Nick flicks it uppishly towards deep square leg for a single. 14 runs from the over.
17.5
6
SIX! Hammered! Slower full one on middle, Larkin thrashes it over the bowler's head for a maximum.
17.4
4
EDGY FOUR! Slower delivery outside off, Larkin looks to play the cut but it takes the top edge and the ball goes over the short third man fielder for a boundary.
17.3
1
Very full delivery on off, Maxwell plays it to deep cover for a single.
17.2
1
On middle, Larkin drives it towards long on for a single.
17.1
1
Sams bowls a full delivery on off, Maxwell pushes it to cover for a single.
Daniel Sams returns. 2-0-11-0 from him so far.
In over# 1
1
0W
1
1
6
2
Chris Morris 23/2(3)
16.6
1
Length ball on off, Maxwell guides it to third man for a single.
Big show time! Skipper Glenn Maxwell joins Nic Larkin out in the middle.
16.5
W
OUT! TIMBER! End of an excellent innings from Marcus Stoinis. He has got the Stars on the way to a very good score. Stoinis could have got another century but he played for his team's cause and perishes. Fullish on off, Stoinis looks to play the scoop but fails to get any bat on it. The ball goes and hits the top of off stump. Stoinis walks back to the pavilion to a huge round of applause from the crowd.
16.4
1
FIFTY! Just like Stoinis, Larkin makes use of the dropped catch and gets to his second fifty in BBL 09. Full delivery on middle, Larkin drives it to long on for a single.
16.3
1
Good length ball on middle, Stoinis flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
16.2
6
SIX! This is excellent batting from Stoinis. It has been some innings from him so far. Full delivery on off, Stoinis bends on his knees and scoops it over the fine leg region for a biggie.
16.1
2
Morris starts with a short of a length delivery outside off, Stoinis cuts it towards deep point and takes a couple before the fielder comes and cleans it up.
Bowling change! Chris Morris is back on! 2-0-12-1 from him so far.
In over# 1
1
1
1
4
4
1
Chris Tremain 31/0(4)
15.6
1
Good length ball outside off, Stoinis moves to the off side and looks to flick-pull it. He does not time it well and the ball lands safely in the deep square leg region. A single taken.
15.5
1
Good length ball on middle, Larkin flicks it to deep square leg for a single. Moves to 49.
15.4
1
Outside off, Stoinis punches it to deep cover for a run.
15.3
4
FOUR! Cut away nicely. Short delivery outside off, Stoinis cuts and the ball pierces the gap between point and short third man for a boundary.
15.2
4
FOUR! 100-run stand is also up between Stoinis and Larkin! Short delivery on middle, Stoinis swivels and flick-pulls it over the short fine leg fielder for a boundary.
15.1
1
Short ball on middle, Larkin pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Bowling change! Chris Tremain is back on. 3-0-19-0 from him so far.
In over# 1
1
0
1
1
4
6
1wd
Arjun Nair 29/0(3)
14.6
1
Another short one outside off, Larkin cuts it to deep cover for a single. 14 from the over. Another good one for the Stars.
14.5
.
Shorter one around off, Larkin cuts but finds the point fielder.
14.4
1
Flatter one on middle, Stoinis makes room and punches it to deep cover for a single.
14.3
1
On middle and leg, Larkin works it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
14.2
4
FOUR! Larkin follows the maximum with a boundary. Short ball outside off, Larkin cuts it through the point region for a boundary. 11 already off the first 2 balls.
14.1
6
SIX! Hammered! Floated on off, Larkin thrashes it over the bowler's head for half a dozen.
14.1
1wd
WIDE! Flatter one outside off, Larkin leaves it alone. Wide signaled.
Arjun Nair is back on.
In over# 1
6
1
4
1
2
4
Jonathan Cook 36/0(3)
13.6
6
SIX! What a shot from Marcus Stoinis! Loopy delivery on off, Stoinis plays the lofted extra cover drive over the extra cover region for a biggie. Big over from Stoinis. 18 runs from it.
13.5
1
On middle, Larkin flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
13.4
4
EDGY FOUR! Short ball outside off, Larkin looks to cut but it takes the outside edge and goes past the short third man fielder for a boundary.
13.3
1
Floated on middle, Stoinis pushes it uppishly towards long on for a single.
13.2
2
BIG COLLISION! Floated on middle and off, pushed towards the man at long on. The batters take a single and look for the second but they clash with each other while running. The fielder from long on has a shy at the stumps at the non-striker's end but misses. Had he hit, it would have been all over for Larkin. Also, there was no one backing up at the non-striker's end and that is poor from the Thunder fielders.
13.1
4
FOUR! Floated delivery on off, Stoinis has just lofted this over the man at cover for a boundary. Doing it with ease!
Tactical Time-Out! Jonathan Cook is back on. 2-0-18-0 are his figures.
In over# 1
1
1
4
0
1
0
Chris Tremain 19/0(3)
12.6
1
FIFTY! 6TH in BBL 09 for Marcus Stoinis. He is making the most of his dropped catch early on in his innings. Short ball outside off, Stoinis punches it to deep cover for a single. He continues his excellent form in this season of the BBL and it has come at the right time for the Stars.
12.5
1
Short delivery on middle, Nick pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single. 100 up for the Stars.
12.4
4
FOUR! Nicely played from Larkin. Length ball outside off, Larkin cuts it towards deep point. Ross comes across from deep cover and dives but the ball goes into the ropes for a boundary.
12.3
.
BEATEN! Good length ball outside off, Larkin looks to cut but fails to get any bat on it.
12.2
1
Back of a length ball outside off, Marcus punches it to deep cover for a single.
12.1
.
Tremain bowls a short of a length delivery on off, Stoinis pushes it to point.
Chris Tremain returns! 2-0-12-0 are his numbers so far.
In over# 1
1
1
0
0
1
1
Daniel Sams 11/0(2)
11.6
1
Length ball on off, Stoinis taps it to point for a single. Only 4 runs from the over.
11.5
1
Fullish outside off, Nick drives it to deep cover for a run.
11.4
.
Full delivery outside off, Larkin drives but finds Ferguson at extra cover.
11.3
.
PLAY AND A MISS! Length ball outside off, Larkin looks to cut but misses it altogether.
11.2
1
Slower delivery on off, Marcus defends it towards cover and crosses over for a single.
11.1
1
Sams starts with a full delivery outside off, Larkin pushes it to deep cover for a single.
Daniel Sams is back on! 1-0-7-0 from him so far.
In over# 1
1
1
1
0
4
1
Arjun Nair 15/0(2)
10.6
1
Full delivery on off, Larkin drives it towards long off for a single.
10.5
1
On off, punched to long off for a single.
10.4
1
Looped up ball outside off, Larkin drives it to deep cover for a single. 50-run stand is up between the two.
10.3
.
The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot.
10.2
4
FOUR! Poor fielding from McAndrew! Short ball on off, Larkin camps back and pulls it over the mid-wicket fielder. McAndrew comes across but is not able to collect it cleanly. He slides in an attempt to pull the back in but is unable to do so. A boundary signaled.
10.1
1
Flatter one on middle, Stoinis pushes it down to long on for a single.
Arjun Nair is back into the attack. 1-0-7-0 are his figures.
In over# 1
4
0
1
1
1
0
Jonathan Cook 18/0(2)
9.6
4
FOUR! Cut away! Poor ball to finish the over. Short and outside off with the third man inside the ring. Larkin goes on the back foot and cuts it through point to bag a boundary. 82/1 at halfway mark.
9.5
.
Floated one on off, it is pushed straight to covers.
9.4
1
Fires it wide outside off, Stoinis reaches out and squeezes it to sweeper cover for a run.
9.3
1
Flatter on middle, Larkin flicks it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
9.2
1
Full and on middle, Stoinis pushes it towards long off for a single.
9.1
.
Full and outside off, Stoinis drives it well but straight to the man at covers.
Jonathan Cook returns. His first over cost 11 runs.
In over# 1
4
0
2
4
0
1
Nathan McAndrew 17/0(2)
8.6
4
DROPPED! Sams misjudges it. It should have been taken at this level though. Short ball on middle, Larkin pulls it towards deep mid-wicket. Daniel runs ahead but then sees the ball going over his head. He goes back and then dives but the ball pops out and rolls into the fence for a boundary.
8.5
.
Another full one on middle, Larkin pushes it to mid on for nothing.
8.4
2
McAndrew dishes a full one on middle, Larkin whips it to deep mid-wicket and picks up a couple.
8.3
4
FOUR! Nice way to break the shackles! Back of a length delivery outside off, Larkin punches it through the point region to pick up his first boundary.
8.2
.
Full on off, Larkin drives but the ball goes straight to mid off.
8.1
1
Good length ball on off, Stoinis pushes it to long off for a single.
Nathan McAndrew returns. 1-0-6-0 from him so far.
In over# 1
1
2
0
4
0
0
Arjun Nair 7/0(1)
7.6
1
Floated ball on middle, Stoinis works it to mid-wicket for a single. 7 runs from Nair's first.
7.5
2
Looped up ball on off, Stoinis prods forward and plays it uppishly wide of long off. Morris collects the ball and throws it to the keeper but cannot stop the batter from taking two.
7.4
.
A flat one on off, Stoinis punches it towards the bowler.
7.3
4
FOUR! Thumped! Short ball outside off, Stoinis stands tall and thumps it towards the deep cover region for a boundary. Sams comes across but fails to get there.
7.2
.
Flatter delivery on middle, Stoinis works it to mid-wicket.
7.1
.
Nair starts with a floated ball on the pads, Stoinis looks to defend but it hits the pads. Nair puts in an appeal for LBW but the umpire shakes his head.
Arjun Nair into the attack now.
In over# 1
0
0
3
1
1
0
Chris Tremain 12/0(2)
6.6
.
Length ball on off, Larkin drives it to mid off. 5 runs from the over.
6.5
.
The batsman has punched that ball through the off side.
6.4
3
Excellent piece of fielding from Sams! Full on middle, Stoinis flicks it uppishly towards deep mid-wicket. Sams runs across from deep square leg and slides to pull the ball back in. The umpire checks whether it is a clean save and the replays show that Sams has done a good job. 3 runs taken.
6.3
1
Fullish delivery on off, Nick pushes it down to mid off for a single.
6.2
1
Good length ball on middle, Marcus drives it to long on for a single.
6.1
.
Tremain dishes a good length ball on off, Stoinis drives it straight to the cover fielder.
Chris Tremain is back on now. 1-0-7-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
1
0
1wd
4
1lb
0
Chris Morris 12/1(2)
5.6
.
On a length on off, Larkin pushes it to point. Stars are 52/1 after the Powerplay.
5.5
1
Slower delivery on middle, Stoinis works it to mid-wicket for a single.
5.4
.
The batsman has driven that ball straight back.
5.4
1wd
Wide! Fullish delivery down the leg side, Stoinis looks to flick but misses. Wide signaled.
5.3
4
FOUR! Innovation time from Stoinis! Back of a length ball on middle, Stoinis flick-pulls it towards the fine leg region for a boundary. 50 up for the Stars.
5.2
1lb
LEG BYE! Length ball on the pads, Larkin looks to flick but gets hit on the thigh pad. The ball rolls to the leg side and the batter steal a leg bye.
5.1
.
Play and a miss! Fullish delivery outside off, Larkin looks to play an expansive drive but the ball whizzes past the outside edge and goes into the mitts of the keeper.
In over# 1
1
1
0
0
0
4
Nathan McAndrew 6/0(1)
4.6
1
Landed on middle, Larkin tucks it behind square leg for a single.
4.5
1
Tap and run! Short and on off, Stoinis gently pushes it towards the covers and takes a quick run.
4.4
.
Another length ball on the pads, Stoinis looks to flick but misses to get hit high on the pads.
4.3
.
Good length ball on off, worked towards mid-wicket.
4.2
.
Shortish ball around off again, Stoinis looks to dab it down to third man but fails to put any bat on this one.
4.1
4
FOUR! Hammered over the bowler's head! Length ball just around off, Stoinis slams it down the ground. It goes over the man at mid on and races away to the fence.
Nathan McAndrew to bowl now.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0W
4
1
Chris Morris 6/1(1)
3.6
1
Short ball outside off, Stoinis cuts it to deep point for a single. End of a successful over.
3.5
.
Good length ball on off, Stoinis defends it to mid off.
3.4
.
DROPPED! Jay Lenton drops a sitter. It should have been two wickets of two deliveries. Full delivery down the leg side, Stoinis looks to guide it down the leg side but gets a tickle behind. Lenton makes a mess of it as he fails to hold onto a simple catch. Morris is appealing but the umpire informs him that the keeper has dropped the ball. That can be a very costly miss for the Thunder.
Nick Larkin is in at no. 3.
3.3
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Morris does the trick! Maddinson's misery in this BBL continues. Short delivery down the leg side, Maddinson looks to pull but it takes the top edge and goes towards square leg. Daniel Sams from the deep come forward and takes the catch. After a good start from the Stars, they have lost a wicket.
3.2
4
FOUR! Whacked! Very full delivery on middle, Maddinson hammers it straight down the ground. Cook comes across from mid on but the ball goes past him and into the fence.
3.1
1
Morris starts with a length ball outside off, Stoinis punches it to deep cover for a single.
Chris Morris is on now.
In over# 1
0
2
0
1
0
4
Daniel Sams 7/0(1)
2.6
.
Length ball on middle, Maddinson defends it towards mid on. 7 from Sams' first.
2.5
2
Full delivery on middle, Maddinson flicks it towards deep mid-wicket and picks up a couple before Ross comes ahead and collects it.
2.4
.
A big shout for LBW turned down. This was really close. Good length ball around off, Maddinson looks to defend but gets hit on the pads. Sams appeals but the umpire does not agree.
2.3
1
Back of a length ball outside off, Stoinis reaches for it and then pushes it to deep point for a single.
2.2
.
Good length ball on off, Stoinis defends it off the back foot.
2.1
4
FOUR! This is a terrific start for the Stars! Another boundary. Short ball outside off, Stoinis cuts it through the point region for a boundary.
Just one over of spin as Daniel Sams has been brought into the attack.
In over# 1
4lb
0
4
4lb
0
3
Chris Tremain 7/0(1)
1.6
4lb
FOUR LEG BYES! Tremain goes full down the leg side yet again, Maddinson looks to heave it away on the leg side. It hits the pads and goes past the short fine leg fielder for a boundary. 15 runs off the over.
1.5
.
On a length on off, Nic drives but finds the mid off fielder.
1.4
4
FOUR! Bang! This time it is put away with disdain. Short delivery on middle, Maddinson pulls it to the deep mid-wicket region for a boundary.
1.3
4lb
FOUR LEG BYES! Length ball down the leg side, Maddinson looks to flick but gets hit on the thigh pad. The ball goes to the fine leg fence for four extras.
1.2
.
Good length ball on off, Maddinson pushes it down to mid off.
1.1
3
Tremain starts with a full delivery on off, Stoinis moves to the off side and flicks it towards deep square leg. Alex Ross comes across and cleans it up but does not stop the batter from taking three.
Chris Tremain to bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
3
1
1
0
6
0
Jonathan Cook 11/0(1)
0.6
3
Tossed up ball on the pads, Stoinis works it towards backward square leg. Before the fielder can chase after it and clean it up, the batters take three. Good start for the Stars. 11 runs off the first over.
0.5
1
Maddinson is underway! Full on middle, Maddinson works it down towards long on for a single.
0.4
1
Flighted ball on middle, Marcus flicks it to square leg for a single.
0.3
.
Edgy! Looped up ball on middle, Stoinis looks to defend but it takes the inside edge and the ball rolls to the leg side.
0.2
6
SIX! What a way to get your innings underway! Floated delivery on middle, Stoinis hammers it straight down the ground for the first biggie of the game.
0.1
.
Cook starts with a fullish delivery on middle, Stoinis defends it towards mid on.
It is time for the action to begin. The Sydney Thunder players make their way out to the middle. The Melbourne Stars openers, Marcus Stoinis and Nic Maddinson walk out to the middle as well. Spin to start for the Thunder. Jonathan Cook it is who will start the proceedings for them. Here we go...
Sydney Thunder (Playing XI) - Usman Khawaja, Alex Hales, Callum Ferguson (C), Alex Ross, Chris Morris, Daniel Sams, Jay Lenton (WK), Chris Tremain, Jonathan Cook, Arjun Nair, Nathan McAndrew (In place of Brendan Doggett).
Melbourne Stars (Unchanged Playing XI) - Marcus Stoinis, Peter Handscomb, Nic Maddinson, Glenn Maxwell (C), Nick Larkin, Seb Gotch (WK), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Clint Hinchliffe, Adam Zampa, Daniel Worrall, Haris Rauf.
Bat flip - Melbourne Stars have won the bat flip and THEY OPT TO BAT FIRST.
Just one more hurdle and one of Melbourne Stars or Sydney Thunder will be through to the finals of this year's BBL. Sydney Sixers are already waiting for one of them for the final showdown on 8th February. The Stars were on a winning spree in the initial phase of the tournament but have failed to turn up at the crucial juncture. They arrive here to play the Challenger after getting crushed by the Sixers. Thunder, on the other hand, have got rolling at the perfect time. They would hope for another impressive performance in this game to make a Sydney derby in the finals. Stay with us for the bat flip and team's updates.
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