THU vs STA face-off: Melbourne Stars comfortably chase down Sydney Thunder’s 128

CANBERRA: The 14th clash of the Big Bash League (BBL), which took place between THU and STA, ended in favour of the Melbourne Stars as Stoinis’ side comfortably chased down 128 in just 14 overs.

Earlier, the Stars won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision that paid rich dividends as their disciplined bowling attack restricted the Thunder to a modest total.

Led by skipper Stoinis, the Stars’ bowlers bundled out THU for 128. Fast bowler Haris Rauf led the charge with three wickets, while Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, and Tom Curran picked up two wickets apiece. Veteran pacer Peter Siddle also chipped in with one scalp.

The constant fall of wickets put the Thunder under mounting pressure, with Shadab Khan emerging as the lone bright spot for his side, scoring 25 off 24 deliveries.

In reply, the Stars began their chase confidently, with Joe Clarke and Sam Harper opening the innings. The duo put the Thunder bowlers under immediate pressure, scoring freely from the outset.

Clarke played a fluent knock of 60 off 37 balls, smashing eight fours and a six before being dismissed. Harper, however, remained unbeaten till the end, anchoring the chase alongside Glenn Maxwell, who provided explosive support.

Harper scored an unbeaten 29 off 27 balls, while Maxwell added a brisk 39 off 20 deliveries, guiding the Stars to a comprehensive victory.