BBL 2025-26: Marcus Stoinis’ brilliant performance guides Melbourne Stars to a 8-wicket win against Hobart Hurricanes

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On December 18, 2025, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne Stars chased down Hobart Hurricanes’ total of 158/9 with 8 wickets in hand and 24 balls to spare, securing a comfortable victory. Despite a strong individual performance from Ben McDermott (69), the Hurricanes’ batting faltered, while the Stars’ chase was led by a brilliant partnership between Marcus Stoinis and Campbell Kellaway, ensuring the Stars reached their target with ease.

Opting to bat first, the Hurricanes struggled to build partnerships and were restricted to 158/9 in their 20 overs. McDermott was the only batter who provided some resistance, scoring a well-made 69 off 52 balls, including 5 fours and 2 sixes. However, the rest of the batting order crumbled under pressure, with Tim David (31) and Matthew Wade (11) failing to convert starts. The Stars’ bowlers were disciplined throughout, with Peter Siddle leading the charge, taking 3 wickets for 30 runs and effectively breaking the momentum in the middle overs. Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell also contributed, keeping the run rate under control and preventing the Hurricanes from accelerating in the latter stages.

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In response, the Stars began their chase solidly, with Thomas Rogers (30) and Joe Clarke (20) getting them off to a decent start. However, it was the pair of Stoinis and Kellaway that truly took charge. Stoinis, in particular, played an explosive knock of 62 off 31 balls*, smashing 7 fours and 2 sixes. Kellaway supported him well, finishing on 41 off 27 balls*. Together, they constructed a match-winning partnership, taking the Stars to their target of 159 with 24 balls remaining, and 8 wickets in hand. The Hurricanes’ bowlers struggled to break the partnership, and the Stars reached the target easily, with Stoinis and Kellaway finishing the job in style.

A comprehensive win for the Stars as they chase down 159 with ease in 16 overs 👏#BBL2025 #MelbourneStars

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 18, 2025

All-round brilliance from Marcus Stoinis ✨💥#MarnusStoinis #BBL2025

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 18, 2025

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