STA VS THU MATCH 14

Right then, that is it from the game. The Melbourne Stars have now lost five games in a trot. The Big Bash League, 2024/25 action continues as we have a game lined up on Sunday, the 29th of December. It will be played between the Brisbane Heat and the Sydney Sixers at 1.45 pm IST (8.15 am GMT). Do join us for the early build up as well. Until then, take care, and cheers!

Sam Billings is the Player of the Match. He says that Duckett played well but their bowlers got timely wickets and got them back into the game. He adds that it was a team effort and it was a tight game. Ends by saying that he got used to the conditions well and they are happy with the win.

Earlier in the game, the Sydney Thunder scored a well crafted 182, led by Sam Billings' impactful 72 runs off 39 balls. Despite being nearly run out at 18, he capitalized on the missed chance. David Warner and Cameron Bancroft provided a solid start, adding 33 runs in the powerplay, but were dismissed quickly. Jason Sangha supported Billings with a good partnership. Daniel Sams contributed with a late cameo. Beau Webster took 3 wickets for 42 runs, with Peter Siddle and Usama Mir claiming two wickets each, and Joel Paris taking one in his season debut.

The Thunder's bowling unit, on the other hand, was impressive, particularly in the second half of the chase. Lockie Ferguson bowled well, taking a wicket in his first over, but the star of the show was Wes Agar. He claimed three wickets while conceding very few runs, putting the brakes on the Stars chase. Every Thunder bowler chipped in with a wicket. The only concern for the Thunder is the injury to Jason Sangha, who hurt his right bicep and had to leave the field. Despite this, the Thunder will be thrilled with their victory.

The Sydney Thunder have emerged victorious over the Melbourne Stars by 18 runs, thanks to a stellar bowling performance that restricted the Stars' chase. The Stars' innings got off to a rocky start, losing Sam Harper in the very first over. However, Ben Duckett scored at a healthy rate, keeping the Stars in the hunt. The team seemed to be cruising towards the target until Duckett's dismissal, which broke the backbone of the chase. Despite starts from Marcus Stoinis, Hilton Cartwright, and Beau Webster, none of them could capitalize on their beginnings. Duckett's half-century was the lone bright spot in an otherwise disappointing batting display.

Too full, outside off, Brody Couch looks to slap it but misses. Sydney Thunder beat Melbourne Stars by 18 runs!

Too full, on off, Brody Couch lofts it over mid on for a brace.

Slower one, on leg, Brody Couch looks to pull it but gets a blow on his body.

FOUR! Well played. Too full, on leg, Brody Couch shuffles across and drills it magnificently through mid on for a boundary.

A full toss, on leg, Joel Paris flicks it to mid-wicket for one.

Too full, down leg, Brody Couch shuffles across and taps it to mid on for one.

Short, on middle, Joel Paris pulls it over mid-wicket for a brace. 27 needed off the final over.

A low full toss, on middle, Brody Couch taps it to covers for one.

Another dot, another play and a miss! Length, outside off, Brody Couch looks to drive it but misses again.

Slower one, outside off, Brody Couch looks to waft at it but misses again.

Fuller one, outside off, Brody Couch looks to play at it but misses.

Lands it on leg, Joel Paris flicks it fine for one.