Melbourne, 18 December 2025:
Melbourne Stars produced a dominant all-round performance to register their first win of BBL 15, comfortably defeating Hobart Hurricanes by eight wickets with four overs to spare at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Thursday night.
Marcus Stoinis was the standout, delivering a decisive double impact with bat and ball to earn Player of the Match honours. The Stars captain claimed 2 for 18 with his medium pace before smashing an unbeaten 62 off just 31 balls to make light work of a modest target.
After winning the toss and opting to field, the Stars bowlers struck regularly to restrict the Hurricanes to 158 for 9. Hobart were pegged back early and never truly recovered despite a composed innings from Ben McDermott, who top-scored with 69 off 52 balls. McDermott anchored the innings through the middle overs, finding support from Tim David (31) and Matthew Wade (11), but wickets at crucial moments stalled the Hurricanes’ momentum.
Peter Siddle led the Stars’ bowling effort with figures of 3 for 30, while Stoinis removed both Nikhil Chaudhary and McDermott to halt Hobart’s progress. Haris Rauf added pace and hostility, picking up 2 for 33, as the Hurricanes lost six wickets in the final five overs to finish short of a par score on a good batting surface.
In reply, the Stars began positively, with Thomas Rogers striking a brisk 30 off 18 balls. After the early losses of Rogers and Joe Clarke, Stoinis took control alongside Campbell Kellaway, who played a fluent supporting role with an unbeaten 41 off 27 deliveries.
Stoinis was ruthless once set, striking seven fours and two sixes at a strike rate of 200, as the pair added an unbroken 101-run stand to seal the chase in just 16 overs. The Stars reached 159 for 2 with 24 balls remaining, underlining their dominance.
The win lifts Melbourne Stars to the top of the table with two points, while Hobart Hurricanes remain winless after their fifth outing of the season.
Scores in Brief
5th Match (N), Big Bash League – December 18, 2025
At Melbourne Cricket Ground
Hobart Hurricanes 158/9 in 20 overs (Ben McDermott 69, Tim David 31; Peter Siddle 3/30, Marcus Stoinis 2/18)
Melbourne Stars 159/2 in 16 overs (Marcus Stoinis 62* off 31, Campbell Kellaway 41*; Rishad Hossain 2/33)
Result: Melbourne Stars won by 8 wickets (with 24 balls remaining)
Player of the Match: Marcus Stoinis
