Ben Duckett Leads Melbourne Stars to a Thrilling Derby Win Over Renegades

Melbourne Stars clinched a nail-biting victory over arch-rivals Melbourne Renegades in a pulsating Big Bash League derby at the MCG on Saturday. Ben Duckett’s composed half-century laid the foundation for the Stars’ successful chase, securing their second consecutive win after a rough start to the season.

Duckett Anchors Stars’ Chase

Chasing 170, the Stars faced immediate setbacks, losing two wickets within the first two overs. Thomas Rogers missed a straight delivery, and Sam Harper was run out after a mix-up with Duckett, leaving the Stars in trouble at 3/2.

With the game slipping, Duckett took charge. The English batter counterattacked with a flurry of boundaries, including two sixes off Tom Rogers, to stabilize the innings. He found a solid partner in Marcus Stoinis, who attacked from the outset, racing to 24 off just 13 balls.

Duckett brought up his third half-century of the season, but just when the game seemed in control, the Renegades fought back. Two tight overs pushed the required rate higher, and the Stars’ decision to take the Power Surge backfired as they lost both Duckett and Stoinis in successive overs.

Maxwell and Cartwright Seal the Deal

With the game on a knife’s edge, Hilton Cartwright and Glenn Maxwell stepped up. Cartwright’s six off the final ball of the Power Surge calmed nerves, and Maxwell followed with a trademark reverse-hit six off Will Sutherland.

In the penultimate over, Maxwell cleared the ropes again, and with eight needed off the final four balls, Cartwright delivered the killer blow. He launched a massive 121-meter six, the biggest of the season, before sealing the game with a boundary.

The Stars reached 170/6 with three balls to spare, completing a stunning comeback after starting their season with five straight losses.

Renegades’ Struggles with the Bat

Earlier, the Renegades struggled to find momentum after being sent in to bat. Josh Brown fell in the opening over, and Jake Fraser-McGurk found it difficult to get going, managing just 6 off 11 balls before hitting a six and getting dismissed the next ball.

Tim Seifert’s attempted reverse sweep against Usama Mir saw him lose his stumps, leaving the Renegades reeling. At the halfway mark, their run rate hovered around six.

Jacob Bethell and Jonathan Wells provided some stability, adding 71 runs for the fourth wicket. However, just as the Renegades looked set for a strong finish, Bethell top-edged one, and Wells fell soon after.

Laurie Evans chipped in with a crucial cameo to help the Renegades post 169/7, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Stars from stealing the show.

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