BBL|14 (reactions on Twitter): Glenn Maxwell propels Melbourne Stars into play-offs with win over Hobart Hurricanes

THE Melbourne Stars secured their place in the playoffs Big Bash League 2024/25 with a total of 40 streak victory over him Hobart Hurricanes. Glenn Maxwell was named Player of the Match for his amazing knock of 76 not out.

Table leaders Hobart Hurricanes faced defeat

After electing to bat first, the Stars posted a formidable 219/5 in their 20 overs, supported by Beau Webster’s aggressive 51 off 31 deliveries and contributions from Maxwell, who top scored with an unbeaten 76 off 32 balls. The Stars showcased their batting depth, with Hilton Cartwright and Marcus Stoinis also with the critical runs. In reply, the Hurricanes struggled to chase down the target, falling behind at 179/10 in 19.3 overs. Mark Steketee he was the main destroyer for the Stars, picking up four wickets for just 24 runs, with the support Usama Mir and Tom Curran which put two gates each. Despite Tim David’s quickfire 40 off 22 balls, the Hurricanes failed to maintain the required run rate, losing wickets at regular intervals, which led to their downfall.

BBL 14 journey ends for Perth Scorchers

This win not only moved the Stars up to fourth place in the table, but also kept their unbeaten streak intact, with five straight wins now securing a place in the playoffs. The Hurricanes, despite the loss, remain top of the table with 15 points but missed the chance to extend their lead. This result not only highlights the Stars’ resurgence in the league, but also marks a major setback for the Hurricanes, who will now look to regroup ahead of the playoffs. With this victory, the stars now face Sydney Thunder in the ‘Knockout’ round on January 22, determined to further extend their journey in the competition. Meantime Perth Scorchers The trip ended in the tournament with the Hurricanes losing.

Also WATCH: Marcus Stoinis makes stunning comeback in BBL 2024-25

The Melbourne Stars’ all-round performance is proving too much for the Hurricanes

In the 40th match of BBL 14 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the Stars put up a stellar display with both bat and ball, setting a daunting target of 220 runs for the Hurricanes to chase down. Sam Harper and Thomas Rogers laid a strong foundation early on, setting the Stars on track with a solid 30-run partnership. However, it was Webster who paced the innings, hitting boundaries at will and amassing 51 off just 31 balls to fuel the Stars’ innings.

Maxwell’s calm and composed innings at the end further stabilized the innings, allowing the Stars to post a massive 219/5. His masterful 76 not out from just 32 deliveries, with five boundaries and six sixes, showcased his class and proved to be a game-changer. The Stars’ middle and lower order provided enough firepower to set a daunting target for the Hurricanes.

On the bowling front, Stars kept the pressure on from the start with Steketee wreaking havoc in the powerplay, dismissing key batters Caleb Jewell and Ben McDermott. Steketee’s four-wicket haul was instrumental in derailing the Hurricanes’ chase as they never really recovered from those early setbacks.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

THE STARS ARE HAPPY 💚

Bound finals #BBL14! #TheSkyIsTheLimit pic.twitter.com/8LOFh76Bcn

— Melbourne Stars (@StarsBBL) January 19, 2025

Glenn Maxwell has done it again. #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/qedfcOY3eN

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 19, 2025

Stars needed 5 wins from 5 losses to qualify… And Maxwell steps up with one crazy hit after another…

76*(32)
90(52)
58*(32)
20*(10)

— arfan (@Im__Arfan) January 19, 2025

What a turnaround for the Melbourne Stars in the BBL. Five straight wins after losing the first five matches and out of nowhere is in 4th place in the standings. Great stuff from Marcus Stoinis and team.@StarsBBL @BBL

— thatcricketguy (@AlanMatthew7) January 19, 2025

What symmetry this season for the Melbourne Stars!

And how good was Glen Maxwell!!! pic.twitter.com/1VEahghp0R

— Krishna Chaitanya (@k15h4n04) January 19, 2025

The season and finals of the Melbourne stars has a big feel for the Brisbane Lions. 0-5 and now I haven’t lost since.

I won’t win it, but great story 👏🏼

— Darcy W. ✍️ (@darcywells2k18) January 19, 2025

An amazing twist!

After losing their first five games, the Melbourne Stars have won five in a row entering the game #BBL14 knock out! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/ohOBPNGs39

— Doctor Of Memes (@IndiaCricArmy) January 19, 2025

Melbourne Stars in this BBL 2025:

First 5 games – 5 losses, 0 wins.
Last 5 matches – 5 wins, 0 losses.

– Melbourne is doing the same thing that RCB did in IPL 2024 and now Melbourne stars have QUALIFIED for playoffs in this BBL. 🤯🥶 pic.twitter.com/uhA25g8FQv

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) January 19, 2025

Us #BBL14 The season is coming to an end 🧡 Thank you all #MADETOUGH Members and fans for your incredible support all season! 🏟️🔥 pic.twitter.com/sTB0jS2OKZ

— Perth Scorchers (@ScorchersBBL) January 19, 2025

Also WATCH: Usman Khawaja mocks wife Rachel Khwaja during BBL|14