The Melbourne Stars secured a thrilling victory against their cross-town rivals, the Melbourne Renegades, with a nail-biting five-wicket win at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on January 4, 2025. The match was not only significant for the bragging rights it carried but also pivotal for the Stars' hopes of reaching the Big Bash League (BBL) finals after they had started the season poorly.
Ben Duckett delivered a standout performance for the Stars, scoring 67 runs off 49 balls, forming the backbone of the team's successful chase of 169 runs. His innings, characterized by aggressive strokes and clever shot selection, was instrumental especially after the Stars found themselves precariously placed at 41 for 3 early on. Duckett's solid partnership with Marcus Stoinis, who chipped in with 48 runs from 35 balls, built momentum for the Stars as they steadied their innings with an impressive 83-run stand.
The match witnessed over 40,000 enthusiastic fans, who witnessed the Stars’ late-game drama as Glenn Maxwell and Hilton Cartwright came to the rescue. With two balls to spare, Cartwright smashed a massive six off Tom Rogers, sealing the deal for the Stars and ensuring their second consecutive win following their less-than-ideal start to the season. "It took a lot of hard work, but we got there," stated Cartwright after the game, reflecting on the pressure felt during the final overs.
The Renegades, who were unceremoniously toppled from the top of the table, mustered 168 runs after being sent to bat first. Their total was primarily bolstered by young English star Jacob Bethell, who scored 49 runs, and veteran Jono Wells, who added 45. Both players formed the highlight partnership of the innings, helping the team recover from early setbacks. Their 71-run partnership was instrumental before the Renegades struggled late on, unable to capitalize on their position. After dropping to 2-4 following three consecutive losses, the Renegades will have to recalibrate if they want to regain their place among the BBL's upper echelon.
"We needed to win to keep our finals hopes alive, and we did," said Stoinis, highlighting the match's tension and significance as the Stars claw back their season. The run chase didn't come easy. After initially being placed on the back foot, the Stars exhibited resilience—especially after losing both Duckett and Stoinis within quick succession during the Power Surge, raising doubts about the Stars' ability to finish strong.
The final over brought all the excitement as the Stars needed ten runs to clinch victory. With Cartwright and Maxwell at the crease, the pressure mounted as Rogers opened with two perfect yorkers. Suddenly, the Stars found themselves needing eight runs off just four balls. Cartwright, undeterred, launched the ball for six, followed by another boundary, creating jubilation among Stars fans as they emerged victorious.
Adding to the drama was the discussion surrounding the use of snicko technology during the game. A particularly contentious moment arose when Renegades player Dan Lawrence was ruled out after the third umpire reviewed the decision and deemed there was sufficient evidence of contact. Duckett was visibly frustrated, throwing his arms up at the umpires following the call, demonstrating the contentious atmosphere surrounding technology's role in the game.
Stars bowler Joel Paris also shone with the ball, returning figures of 2 for 23, effectively exploiting the MCG pitch which offered assistance to the pacers with its extra bounce. Demonstrative of his class, Paris showcased maturity beyond his appearances, proving to be a strategic selection for the Stars.
Meanwhile, the pressure on young Renegades opener Jake Fraser-McGurk continued to build as he struggled again, scoring only 12 runs off 14 balls. The talented batsman, once praised for his explosive style, faces mounting scrutiny as he finds it challenging to convert starts this season.
The match not only marked the Stars' second victory but also gave them fresh hope as they aim to surge up the BBL ladder. The victory leaves the Stars with room to improve, with their eyes set firmly on the upcoming rivalry against the Sydney Sixers, scheduled for Thursday back at the MCG.
The Melbourne derby was once again a classic encounter filled with drama, strong performances, and the electric atmosphere only such rivalries can bring. With each team vying for survival, the game showed just how competitive and thrilling the BBL has become.