STA vs HUR: Melbourne Stars powered their first victory of the season against Hobart Hurricanes by 38 runs in their second pool stage fixture at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. With this win, Melbourne Stars have hopped up in the standings and claimed the third position.
Winning the toss in Victoria, Melbourne Stars skipper Adam Zampa made an impressive decision to bat first. Riding on to the explosive performance by top order batsman Joe Clarke, Melbourne Stars put up a commanding total of 183/5 in their first innings of 20 overs.
Melbourne Stars rode on to a solid start as opening batsmen Joe Clarke (101) and Tim Rogers (20) put up a fascinating 54-run stand for the first wicket. Clarke stood resilient and dominating on one end and continued to build partnerships as he scored another 51-run stand for the second wicket alongside Webster (24).
Clarke smashed a decisive century and remained unbeaten as Cartwright (17) supported him in the end through his thunderous cameo after which Melbourne Stars crossed the 180-run mark.
For Hobart Hurricanes, Riley Meredith was the most contemplating bowler as he scalped 2 wickets for 38 runs. Pooley (1/27) and Shadab Khan (1/29) chipped in a wicket apiece.
Hobart Hurricanes batting order succumbed in front of Stars fierce Pace attack
Chasing a mammoth total of 184 runs, Hobart Hurricanes failed to capitalize on their batting attack and build partnerships. Hurricanes managed to edge past just the 40-run mark at the end of the power play which gave a competitive advantage to the hosts.
The top order as well as the middle order struggled to provide a breakthrough as Hurricanes tumbled down for 145/9 by the end of 20 overs and lost the match by 38 runs. Apart from skipper Matthew Wade (35) and Tim David (24), no other batsmen managed to cross the 20-run mark.
For Melbourne Stars, Luke Wood starred in the bowling attack with a stunning figure of 3/25 and he was handsomely supported by a splendid performance by skipper Zampa (3/27). Coulter-Nile (2/24) scalped two crucial wickets whereas Trent Boult (1/41) grabbed a wicket apiece.
