STA VS REN MATCH 23

Right then, that is it from this game where Melbourne Stars gets the better of Melbourne Renegades in the derby. However, we have a double-header lined up in the Big Bash League 2023/24 on 3rd January, Wednesday. First up, it will be Sydney Sixers taking on Brisbane Heat at 12.35 pm IST (7.05 am GMT) and in the second game, Perth Scorchers will be up against Adelaide Strikers which will start at 3.45 pm IST (10.15 am GMT), but as you know, you can always join us early for all the build-up to both matches. Until then, cheers and goodbye!

Glenn Maxwell is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his brilliant all-round show. He says it's nice to get the win and make it four in a row, and more importantly, is happy to get a game here after the rain. He further thanks the crowd and mentions how they play a key role and have come out in huge numbers despite the rain. He then concludes that the momentum is with them, and when things are going well for the Stars, Melbourne backs them to the fullest.

Presentation Time...

For Melbourne Renegades, they did not have enough runs on the board. Tom Rogers and Peter Siddle got a wicket each but that was never going to be enough. They would be more disappointed with their batting as after Quinton de Kock got them off to a flier, the other batters could not contribute much and losing wickets at regular intervals meant they finished below the 100-run mark. Stars were excellent with the ball and Maxi made all the correct decisions on the field. Dan Lawrence ended up with a couple of wicket for the Stars while except for Marcus Stoinis, every other bowler chipped in with one each which well and truly set up this game for them.

Even though Melbourne Stars lost Dan Lawrence early on, Thomas Rogers made sure they got off to a steady start. Beau Webster also failed to make much impact but Rogers continued to rack up the runs along with skipper Glenn Maxwell who absolutely went berserk towards the end. They knew the target was not a big one and one over would change the game and that came when Maxi hit Adam Zampa for three consecutive sixes which almost sealed the game for them. The 'Big Show' remained unbeaten on 32 off just 15 balls while Rogers finished the job with 42 off 34 balls as they chased this down with 12 balls to spare.

STARS WINS BRAGGING RIGHTS IN THE MELBOURNE DERBY! They make it four wins in a row and Glenn Maxwell marks his 100th game with a fitting all-round performance along with his captaincy in this shortened match. The Stars were looking down and out in the initial few games but have made a roaring comeback in this season.

The Stars have sealed the game. Kane Richardson bowls a full toss which is above the waist height. Thomas Rogers slaps it down the ground and the ball runs away to the long on fence but the No-Ball called means that the Stars have won the game.

Scores are level. Tom Rogers sticks with the short length over off. Glenn Maxwell cuts it over point. The batters run a quick brace to end the over. 1 run required to win.

Short again down the leg side. Glenn Maxwell swings his blade wildly but misses out on the connection.

FOUR! Connects well! Tom Rogers drops it short over off. Glenn Maxwell slaps it hard and it is in the gap at cow corner. The ball rockets away to the fence for four important runs.

Short again over off. Glenn Maxwell misses out as he tries to play his reverse hit. Good over so far by Tom Rogers.

Banged in short over middle. Glenn Maxwell has to get out of the way and that is good bowling from Tom Rogers.

Shot and drifting down the leg side. Glenn Maxwell pulls but he doesn't connect well and the ball rolls away towards fine leg. The fielder does well to keep it in play as the batters run two runs.

Melbourne Stars have taken the Power Surge. Tom Rogers is to bowl this over as the Stars just need 9 runs to win now.

Short now over middle. Glenn Maxwell pulls it to long on for a single to retain the strike in the next over.

SIX! THREE IN A ROW! Adam Zampa is being punished out here. He goes full again on middle. Glenn Maxwell hits it down the ground this time clearing the fence this time also. A glorious 99-metre maximum from his blade.