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DARWIN: Thomas Rogers produced a sensational century to guide Melbourne Stars Academy to a thrilling seven-wicket victory over Hobart Hurricanes Academy in the Top End T20 Series clash at Marrara Cricket Ground No. 2 on Saturday.
Chasing a daunting 228, the Stars crossed the line on the final ball of the innings when Liam Blackford, facing his very first delivery, struck the winning boundary after Jonathan Merlo was dismissed on the penultimate ball with scores level.
The chase was set up brilliantly by skipper Sam Harper and Rogers, who added 142 runs for the opening wicket in just 12 overs.
Harper struck a 35-ball 50 before being run out at the start of the 13th over, bringing Campbell Kellaway to the crease.
Kellaway played a supporting role as Rogers went on the attack, reaching his century and dominating a 61-run stand that took the Stars past 200.
Rogers’ innings finally ended in the 18th over when Bradley Hope dismissed him for a dazzling 128 off 65 deliveries, laced with 20 fours and three sixes.
Blake Macdonald managed nine runs before falling cheaply, while Kellaway remained unbeaten on 27 from 16 balls, ensuring stability at the other end before Blackford finished the job in style.
Earlier, Hobart Hurricanes Academy had posted a mammoth 227-3 after electing to bat.
Doug Warren struck early for the Stars, bowling out Raf MacMillan for just three, but Bradley Hope and Will Prestwidge counter-attacked with a 55-run stand. Prestwidge smashed 37 off 19 before falling to Hamish McKenzie.
Hope then stitched another rapid 57-run partnership with Macalister Wright, who scored 40 off 20. McKenzie again broke the stand, but Tim Ward’s arrival kept the momentum intact.
Hope carried his bat with an unbeaten 81 off 51 balls, hitting 12 fours and two sixes, while Ward blazed 57 not out off 27 deliveries, featuring three boundaries and four sixes, to propel Hurricanes Academy to 227-3.
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