MELBOURNE Stars are riding a five-game win streak into the Big Bash League (BBL) finals after toppling ladder leaders Hobart Hurricanes by 40 runs at the MCG last night. Unbeaten in 2025 after a 0-5 start to the season, the Stars evened their ledger to snatch fourth spot in the last home-and-away fixture.

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Central to the remarkable turnaround, Glenn Maxwell continued his blistering form with an unbeaten 76* (32) to close out the Stars innings. The home side was sent in to bat and posted 5-219, with the Hurricanes hardly standing a chance in response as they were bowled out for 179 in 19.3 overs.

Allrounder Beau Webster (51 off 31) helped set the platform for Maxwell’s flourishing innings with a half-century of his own. The Australian Test squad member will now travel to Dubai for a training camp in preparation for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka.

Facing a formidable target, the Hurricanes had the heart ripped out of their top order by Mark Steketee (4-24). The resurgent quick had 3-7 after just eight balls, having removed Caleb Jewell (5), Charlie Wakim (0), and Ben McDermott (2) across the second and fourth overs.

The dismissal of opener Mitchell Owen (38 off 17) was a crushing blow, and while others like Nikhil Chaudary (27 off 16), Tim David (27 off 18), and Matthew Wade (21 off 19) achieved starts, the pressure of a mounting run rate proved Hobart’s downfall.

After bowling just one over, Hurricanes captain Nathan Ellis (1-3) top-scored for his side with 40 off 22. He eventually became Steketee’s fourth victim to close out the innings and match. Usama Mir (2-31) and Joel Paris (2-40) were also among the wickets for Melbourne.

Hobart still finished atop the standings despite Sunday’s result and will host the Sydney Sixers in the Qualifier tomorrow night. Quick Riley Meredith was rested and there was some concern for Ellis, who was managed throughout the match but still contributed when called upon.

In their first finals appearance since 2019-20, the Stars take on Sydney Thunder in the Knockout at ENGIE Stadium on Wednesday night. Currently the form team of the competition, the Stars will have to make it a record-equaling eight wins in a row to take out the title.

SCORECARD

RESULT: Melbourne Stars won by 40 runs.
POTM: Glenn Maxwell (Melbourne Stars)
BAT FLIP: Hobart Hurricanes elected to bowl.

Melbourne Stars 5-219 (20)
Glenn Maxwell 76* (32), Beau Webster 51 (31), Marcus Stoinis 32 (19)
Nathan Ellis 1-3 (1), Nikhil Chaudhary 1-37 (3), Marcus Bean 1-45 (4)

Hobart Hurricanes 10-179 (19.3)
Nathan Ellis 40 (22), Mitchell Owen 38 (17), Tim David 27 (18)
Mark Steketee 4-24 (3.3), Usama Mir 2-31 (4), Joel Paris 2-40 (4)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Hobart Hurricanes | 7-2, -0.12 NR | 15 points | 0.135 NRR
2. Sydney Sixers | 6-2, 2 NR | 14 points | 0.156 NRR
3. Sydney Thunder | 5-3, 2 NR | 12 points | 0.34 NRR
4. Melbourne Stars | 5-5 | 10 points | 0.135 NRR
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5. Perth Scorchers | 4-6 | 8 points | 0.219 NRR
6. Melbourne Renegades | 4-6 | 8 points, 0.139 NRR
7. Brisbane Heat | 3-6, 1 NR | 7 points | -0.831 NRR
8. Adelaide Strikers | 3-7 | 6 points | -0.122 NRR

FINALS SCHEDULE

Qualifier:
Hobart Hurricanes vs. Sydney Sixers
Tuesday January 21, 7:30pm @ Bellerive Oval

Knockout:
Sydney Thunder vs. Melbourne Stars
Wednesday January 22, 7:30pm @ ENGIE Stadium

Challenger: Qualifier loser vs. Knockout winner | January 24
Final: Qualifier winner vs. Challenger winner | January 27