Hobart Hurricanes survived a rain-soaked scare to defeat Melbourne Stars by 3 runs via DLS in the BBL 2025-26 knockout at Bellerive Oval. The win secures their spot in the Challenger against Sydney Sixers on Thursday.
Opting to bat first after losing the toss in a curtailed 10-over game, Hurricanes lost opener Mitchell Owen cheaply for 7. Tim Ward’s 10-run knock helped rebuild with Beau Webster, forging a 30-run partnership.
Webster’s explosive 47 from 26 deliveries, laced with three boundaries and sixes apiece, rescued the innings. Nikhil Chaudhary chipped in 24 as they added 37 in quick time. Stars’ bowlers struck back: Harris Rauf with two scalps, Maxwell, Curran, and Stoinis one each, restricting Hurricanes to 114-5.
Stars’ chase began disastrously with Thomas Rogers out for 4. Heavy showers revised the equation to 85 in 7 overs. Joe Clarke’s aggressive 31 off 17 set the tone, but Hurricanes’ bowlers held firm.
A late surge from Hilton Cartwright and Glenn Maxwell yielded 15* off 4 balls, but Meredith’s 2 wickets and Owen’s intervention sealed a dramatic Hurricanes triumph. BBL playoffs deliver yet another classic.