Tue Dec 23 13:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Stars Soar to Top of BBL Table After Dominant Win Over Strikers
Adelaide, Australia – The Melbourne Stars have cemented their place atop the BBL ladder after a comprehensive six-wicket victory over the Adelaide Strikers at the Adelaide Oval on Tuesday. A dominant bowling performance, led by Haris Rauf (3/28) and Tom Curran (3/35), restricted the Strikers to a below-par 155, a total the Stars chased down with ease.
After winning the toss and electing to bowl, the Stars immediately put the Strikers under pressure. Curran struck twice in the second over, removing dangerous opener Chris Lynn for just four and Jason Sangha in quick succession. While Strikers captain Matt Short steadied the innings with a well-compiled 56, he couldn’t ignite the innings late as Adelaide battled to 8-155.
In response, the Stars’ chase was anchored by a brilliant half-century from opener Sam Harper (55). Solid contributions from Campbell Kellaway (28) and captain Marcus Stoinis (32*) ensured the Stars were always in control. Stoinis sealed the victory with a six, propelling his team to the top of the table due to their superior net run rate.
The match wasn’t without its drama. An on-field incident saw Stoinis visibly angered after diving to stop a ball hit by Jamie Overton, appearing to injure his shoulder in the process. Stoinis confronted Overton, seemingly upset that a run was taken while he was injured. Furthermore, Stars paceman Haris Rauf required some assistance after copping a blow to the hand from a powerful shot. Skipper Stoinis was even seen seemingly attempting to put Rauf’s finger back into place before the bowler continued.
Despite the Strikers’ loss, captain Matt Short showed some fight with his half century as Chris Lynn struggled to get going at the start of the season. The Strikers will look to bounce back on December 27th when they face the Brisbane Heat.
The Stars’ impressive performance has established them as a force to be reckoned with in BBL15.
First Piper 