In a nail-biting finish under the Duckworth-Lewis method, Hobart Hurricanes clinched a thrilling 3-run victory over Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 knockout clash at Bellerive Oval on Wednesday. This hard-fought win propels the Hurricanes into the Challenger match against Sydney Sixers on January 23.
Rain played spoilsport throughout the contest, forcing a reduction to 10 overs per side after Hobart won the toss but elected to bat. The Hurricanes stumbled early, losing Mitchell Owen for just 7 off 4 balls at 8-1. Tim Ward steadied the ship with a gritty 10 alongside Beau Webster, adding 30 for the second wicket.
Webster then unleashed, smashing 47 off 26 balls with three sixes and three fours. He partnered with Nikhil Chaudhary (24) for a brisk 37-run stand in 20 balls. Harris Rauf led the Stars’ attack with 2-0, supported by Glenn Maxwell, Tom Curran, and Marcus Stoinis with one wicket each. Hurricanes posted 114-5.
Chasing 115 in 10 overs, Stars lost Thomas Rogers (4) in the second over’s first ball. Rain interrupted again, revising the target to 85 in 7 overs upon resumption. Joe Clarke fought back with 31 off 17 balls, including four fours and a six.
Hilton Cartwright (15*) and Glenn Maxwell (9*) added an unbroken 15 off 4 balls, but it fell just short. Riley Meredith starred for Hurricanes with 2 wickets, Owen claiming one. This victory keeps Hurricanes’ title dreams alive in BBL’s high-stakes playoffs.