Drama unfolded at Bellerive Oval as Hobart Hurricanes scraped home by 3 runs against Melbourne Stars in a rain-affected BBL knockout under Duckworth-Lewis rules. This sets up a blockbuster Challenger with Sydney Sixers on January 23.
Toss lost, Hurricanes batted in a 10-over thriller marred by showers. Early blow: Mitchell Owen gone at 8 for 7 runs. Tim Ward (10) and Beau Webster countered with 30 runs for the second wicket.
Webster dominated with a match-turning 47 off 26, featuring three fours and sixes. With Nikhil Chaudhary (24), he accelerated via a 37-run alliance. Stars fought via Harris Rauf (2 wickets), plus efforts from Maxwell, Curran, Stoinis, holding foes to 114-5.
Target 115 in 10 for Stars became 85 in 7 post-rain. Thomas Rogers fell early (4). Joe Clarke’s fiery 31 (17 balls, 4×4, 1×6) ignited hopes.
Hilton Cartwright (15*) and Maxwell (9*) blasted 15 off final 4 balls, but Riley Meredith’s brace and Owen’s wicket proved decisive. Hurricanes advance, embodying BBL’s unpredictable spirit.