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BBL Review: Total Destruction! Stars Make the Adelaide Oval Their Own Playground
By Cricket Desk | December 23, 2025
Okay, if you are a Melbourne Stars fan, you have every right to be grinning from ear to ear right now. Actually, keep smiling, because what we witnessed at the Adelaide Oval wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. The Stars didn’t just beat the Adelaide Strikers; they completely dismantled them in their own backyard.
Let’s be real for a second. Going to Adelaide and winning is tough. But winning with 11 balls to spare and 6 wickets in hand? That is the kind of performance that makes the rest of the league sit up and take notice. If you missed the game, don’t worry. We’ve got the full breakdown of how the boys in green turned the Strikers’ home game into a nightmare.
The "Curran" Effect: Game Over Before It Started?
You know how they say T20 games are won in the margins? Well, this one was won in the very first over. Tom Curran came steaming in like he had a point to prove. The Strikers' fans were probably just settling into their seats with their drinks when Curran decided to ruin their evening.
Removing Chris Lynn early is gold dust. But getting Jason Sangha in the same over? That’s just greedy. Curran’s double strike in the opening over was like a punch to the gut for the Strikers. Honestly, looking back at the game now, I don't think Adelaide ever really recovered from that initial shock. They were on the back foot from minute one.
Spinners Applying the Chokehold
While the pacers get the glory for the wickets, let’s talk about the unsung heroes of this match: the spin twins, Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Swepson.
Usually, the middle overs are where teams try to rebuild. But Maxwell and Swepson just didn’t let that happen. They bowled six overs between them and gave away—wait for it—just 39 runs! That is insane control. They forced the batters to try shots that weren't there, simply because they couldn't find the boundary. It was classic "pressure creates wickets" bowling.
And then, just to rub salt in the wounds, Haris Rauf came back at the death. The pace, the accuracy—it was too much for the tailenders. He cleaned up with figures of 3 for 28, ensuring the Strikers could only crawl to a total of 155.
Short’s Lonely Battle
You have to feel a little bit sorry for Matthew Short. Imagine being the captain, watching your team crumble around you, and trying to hold the fort all by yourself. He played a solid hand of 56 runs, and without him, the Strikers probably wouldn't have even crossed 120.
He tried to stitch partnerships with Liam Scott and Alex Ross, but it felt like he was fighting a losing battle. It was a classic case of "one man army," and in the Big Bash League, one man is rarely enough to beat a team like the Stars.
The Chase: A Walk in the Park
Chasing 156 can be tricky. We have seen teams panic before. But Sam Harper? He was in no mood for drama.
Harper walked out and essentially said, "I’m finishing this early." His knock of 55 off 36 balls was pure entertainment. He attacked the bowlers inside the Powerplay, and suddenly, the target looked tiny. Alongside Joe Clarke, who played a smart 23, Harper ensured that the Stars broke the back of the chase within the first six overs.
Sure, the Strikers managed to grab a couple of wickets later on to make things interesting for about five minutes. But with the depth the Stars have, it was never really in doubt. Young Campbell Kellaway showed maturity beyond his years with a handy 28, keeping the scoreboard ticking.
Stoinis Finishes in Style
Is there a better sight for Stars fans than Marcus Stoinis hitting the winning runs? I don’t think so. The skipper didn’t just nudge it for a single to win; he launched Matthew Short for a massive six to seal the deal. Unbeaten on 32, Stoinis looked calm, collected, and ready for bigger challenges.
The Final Verdict
So, what did we learn? The Melbourne Stars are serious contenders this year. Their bowling attack has variety—swing upfront, tight spin in the middle, and raw pace at the death. As for the Strikers, they have some serious thinking to do. You can’t rely on just one batter to save you every time.
For now, the night belongs to Melbourne. Two wins in a row, and the momentum train is officially leaving the station!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Who was the real hero of the match?
It’s a tie! Haris Rauf was a beast with the ball (3 wickets), but Sam Harper killed the game with his bat (55 runs). Both were equally important.
Q2: Did the Strikers have any chance of winning?
Honestly? Not really. After losing two wickets in the first over to Tom Curran, they were always playing catch-up. They never got enough runs on the board to pressure the Stars.
Q3: How many consecutive wins do the Stars have now?
This victory marks their second straight win in BBL 2024-25. They are gathering some serious momentum.
Q4: Where can I watch the replay of Stoinis' winning six?
Check out the official Big Bash League Instagram or Twitter handle. They usually post the winning moments and highlights right after the game.
Q5: What was the final score?
Adelaide Strikers made 155/8, and Melbourne Stars chased it down easily, finishing at 156/4 in 18.1 overs.
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