In the fourth match of BBL Season 12, the Melbourne Stars defeated the Hobart Hurricanes. They took the opportunity to honour Shane Warne by retiring his Number 23 jersey. This act was a touching tribute to Warne, who was an influential member of the team.
Matthew Wade, the skipper of the Hobart Hurricanes, won the toss and invited the Melbourne Stars to bat first at the MCG.
Melbourne Stars vs Hobart Hurricanes Playing XI
Melbourne Stars: Joe Clarke (WK), Tom Rogers, Beau Webster, Nick Larkin, Marcus Stoinis, Hilton Cartwright, Campbell Kellaway, Luke Wood, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Trent Boult, Adam Zampa (C)
Hobart Hurricanes: Darcy Short, Ben McDermott, Matthew Wade (C and WK), Shadab Khan, Tim David, Asif Ali, Jimmy Neesham, Joel Paris, Nathan Ellis, Patrick Dooley, Riley Meredith
Melbourne Stars vs Hobart Hurricanes Match Highlights
England’s Joe Clarke hit an unbeaten century — his first in the Big Bash League — to power the Melbourne Stars to a strong total. They set a target of 184 runs for the Hobart Hurricanes in the second innings. Thomas Rogers, Beau Webster, and Hilton Cartwright all played small cameos, but it was the Englishman’s day as he sent the ball to all parts of the ground. He smashed an unbeaten 101 runs off just 66 balls, including 9 fours and 4 sixes. It was a stellar performance by Clarke, and the Melbourne Stars will be hoping he can maintain this form throughout the season.
Hobart’s batters got off to decent starts, but they failed to score substantial runs, which they needed to do to chase such a large target. Additionally, David’s innings were uncharacteristic and very disappointing. Hobart needed him to score, but he left it too late. Furthermore, the decision to use the Power Surge came too late in the game. Overall, the team never looked like they were in the game and they were defeated by 38 runs.
Melbourne Stars vs Hobart Hurricanes Scorecard
STA vs HUR: 4th Match, Big Bash League 12
Melbourne Stars: 183/5 in 20 overs
Hobart Hurricanes: 145/9 in overs
Result: Melbourne Stars won by 38 runs