An all-round performance helped Melbourne Stars defeat Melbourne Renegades by 7 wickets at Melbourne Cricket Ground, MCG on Saturday.
Melbourne Stars captain Glenn Maxwell won the bat flip and decided to field first. The decision paid off as Nathan Coulter Nile got an early breakthrough dismissing Sam Harper for 12. Melbourne Renegades captain Aaron Finch looked in good touch along with Shaun Marsh. At the end of six overs, Renegades were 41 for 1.
After the power play overs, Adam Zampa provided the breakthrough dismissing Finch for 25 before Finch and Shaun Marsh added 42 runs for the 2nd wicket. Webster looked positive right from word go which put the pressure on Stars bowlers. With things looking bright for Renegades,
Lammichhane got Shaun Marsh to end 62 runs stand for the 3rd wicket. Lammichhane struck again by getting the wicket of Daniel Christian in the next ball to control the run flow. Melbourne Stars bowlers did not allow Melbourne Renegades batsmen to score runs at a quick pace. Melbourne Renegades eventually posted 142 for 9 in 20 overs.
Chasing 143 runs to win, Marcus Stoinis played with positive intent and did not allow Renegades bowlers to settle. Kane Richardson provided the breakthrough for Renegades getting the wicket of Maddison before Stoinis and Maddison added 53 runs in just 5.4 overs. At the end of six overs, Stars were 55 for 1.
After the power play overs, Stoinis continued to play with positive intent and made sure that they are on course for a victory. Gleeson dismissed Ben Dunk to give Renegades a chance of winning the match. Glenn Maxwell came to the crease and showed his class with his innovative stroke play. On the other hand, Stoinis reached his fifty off 41 balls. Stoinis and Maxwell added 68 unbeaten runs for the 3rd wicket to help Melbourne Stars win the match by 7 wickets with 7 balls to spare.
Melbourne Stars 143 for 2 in 18.5 overs ( Stoinis 68*, Maxwell 40*, Kane Richardson 1/34) beat Melbourne Renegades 142 for 9 in 20 overs ( Shaun Marsh 43, Webster 29, Sandeep Lammichhane 3/26, Adam Zampa 2/19) by 7 wickets
With this win, Melbourne Stars consolidate their top position in BBL 9.
