In a thrilling pre-Christmas clash at the iconic Adelaide Oval, the Melbourne Stars secured a commanding six-wicket victory over the Adelaide Strikers on December 23, 2025. The 10th match of the Big Bash League (BBL) season 15 saw the Stars deliver a clinical performance, moving comfortably toward their target of 156 with 11 balls to spare. Driven by a disciplined bowling effort and a blistering half-century from Sam Harper, the Stars proved why they are one of the most formidable units this season.
Early Struggles for the Strikers
The match began with Melbourne Stars captain Marcus Stoinis winning the toss and electing to bowl first, a decision that paid immediate dividends. The Strikers’ innings got off to a disastrous start as England international Tom Curran dismantled the top order. Curran struck twice in the second over, removing the dangerous Chris Lynn for just 4 runs and dismissing Jason Sangha for a duck. With the scoreboard reading 7/2, the home side was firmly on the back foot.
Captain Matthew Short took it upon himself to steady the ship. Short anchored the innings with a gritty 56 off 42 deliveries, finding a reliable partner in Liam Scott. The pair put together a much-needed partnership to guide the Strikers past the 50-run mark. Scott contributed 25 runs, including two boundaries and a six, before being trapped leg-before-wicket by Marcus Stoinis.
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The Stifling Middle Overs and Death Surge
Despite Short’s efforts, the Strikers struggled to find momentum during the middle overs and the Power Surge. Alex Ross provided a brief cameo of 22, but the Melbourne Stars’ bowling attack remained relentless. Haris Rauf, known for his express pace, turned the tide back in favor of the Stars during the death overs. Rauf’s triple strike—removing Jamie Overton, Jerrssis Wadia, and Harry Nielsen—stifled the Strikers’ attempts to accelerate.
Adelaide eventually finished their 20 overs at 155/8. While Henry Thornton added a late flourish with 12 runs off 6 balls, the total felt slightly below par for the Adelaide Oval surface. Tom Curran finished with impressive figures of 3/35, while Rauf was the pick of the bowlers with 3/28.
Stars’ Explosive Response
The Melbourne Stars’ chase began with intent. Openers Joe Clarke and Sam Harper capitalized on the Powerplay, putting the Strikers’ bowlers under immediate pressure. Clarke played a steady role with 23 runs, but it was Sam Harper who stole the spotlight. Harper’s aggressive approach saw him smash 55 runs off just 36 balls, featuring five boundaries and two massive sixes. His strike rate of 152.78 ensured that the required run rate remained well within control.
Adelaide’s bowlers tried to fight back, with Hasan Ali claiming the wickets of Campbell Kellaway (28) and Glenn Maxwell (2). Lloyd Pope also contributed by dismissing Clarke, finishing with economical figures of 1/22 from his four overs. However, the lack of a substantial total meant the Strikers were always playing catch-up.
Stoinis Seals the Win
With the match heading into the final stages, Marcus Stoinis took charge. The captain’s unbeaten 32 off 22 balls was a masterclass in finishing. Alongside Hilton Cartwright, who remained not out on 10, Stoinis navigated the closing overs with composure. The game ended in style when Stoinis launched a six over long-on off the bowling of Matt Short, securing the win in 18.1 overs.
The Stars’ victory was a testament to their balanced squad. Tom Curran was deservedly named Player of the Match for his early breakthroughs that set the tone. For the Adelaide Strikers, the loss highlighted the need for more consistency from their top-order batsmen if they are to climb the BBL ladder. As the league heads into the festive break, the Melbourne Stars sit in a strong position, carrying significant momentum into the new year.
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