HOBART: Hobart Hurricane’s opener – Ben McDermott scored a brilliant half-century then their bowlers wreak havoc over Melbourne Stars; defeating the side by 24 runs, in the 19th match of Big Bash League (BBL) at Bellerive Oval.

At the toss, the Hurricanes’ skipper, Matthew Wade after winning the toss, elected to bat first. The home side started their innings brilliantly; with the openers recording a wonderful partnership of 93 runs. Wade was the batter, who dismissed after scoring a brilliant 39 off 27 balls; smashing two boundaries and as many sixes.

McDermott, on the other hand, was even handier, the batter went on to smash a terrific half-century. He scored 67 off 43 balls, laced with four boundaries and as many sixes. McDermott remained the top-scorer for his side. With valuable contributions from the rest of the batters, the Hurricanes finished at 180/6 in their allotted 20 overs.

For Stars, Andre Russell claimed three wickets, but, was expensive. Nathan Coulter-Nile picked two wickets during his economical spell, while Brody Couch took one wicket.

Chasing 181, the Stars, could not find the rhythm and struggled throughout the innings. Joe Clarke, however, impressed with his magnificent 52 off 40 deliveries, including two boundaries and three sixes. But, soon after Clarke’s dismissal, the Stars’ batters could not go deep, and the side, in the end, restricted to 156/9 in the allotted overs.

For the Hurricanes, Riley Meredith and Tom Rogers each claimed three wickets. Nathan Ellis bagged two wickets for just 27 runs, while D’Arcy Short took one wicket.

With this victory, the Hurricanes have now moved to the third position, while the Stars are struggling at the seventh position.

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