THE MELBOURNE Stars remain alive in BBL | 12 after claiming a convincing nine-wicket victory against the Adelaide Strikers at the MCG on Thursday night.

The Strikers started the game in thumping fashion, but not much went right after the first over as the Stars took complete control to completely bowl out Adelaide’s batting lineup, before putting the foot down in the second innings and chasing down the underwhelming total of 108 with just under six overs remaining in the match.

With their third win of the season, the Stars have given themselves a fighting chance to conjure a miraculous finals campaign, now trailing the third-placed Strikers by just two wins. Given how balanced the competition has been thus far, Melbourne is now right in the hunt for a postseason appearance.

The Stars won the toss and opted to bowl, liking their chances on the MCG pitch. After conceding 20 runs in the first over, it was a move that paid dividends, as the Adelaide batsmen struggled to play shots on a pitch that produced plenty of bounce and swing. Matt Short has proven to be the key to the Strikers’ success on many occasions, but could only conjure 20 runs, while fellow opener Ryan Gibson managed just 10 of his own. Harry Nielsen had a handy knock of 40, but was a rare shining light as Nathan Coulter-Nile, Adam Zampa and Liam Hatcher combined for seven wickets and the Strikers were sent packing for just 108 runs.

Melbourne openers Joe Clarke and Tom Rogers got their side off to a flyer, combining for a 77-run partnership as hope of a miraculous score defence from the Strikers faded at a rapid pace. Adelaide’s bowling attack simply unable to produce a breakthrough wicket. Following Clarke’s dismissal via run out, Hilton Cartwright came in at three and combined well with Rogers to close out the match with 33 balls in hand.

Hatcher was named player of the match for his spell of 2/18 from four overs. Although Coulter-Nile had better numbers, the importance of Hatcher’s wickets got him over the line, given he dismissed the two most dangerous Adelaide batsmen in Short and Chris Lynn (one run). In the second innings, Rogers produced his maiden BBL half-century in style and was a key pillar in steering the Stars home.

SCORECARD

RESULT: Melbourne Stars (1/109) def. Adelaide Strikers (108)
POTM: Liam Hatcher (Melbourne Stars)
TOSS: Melbourne Stars won the toss and opted to bat

KEY PLAYERS

Melbourne Stars:
Tom Rogers (51), Joe Clarke (35)
Liam Hatcher (2/18), Nathan Coulter-Nile (3/17), Adam Zampa (2/20)

Adelaide Strikers:
Harry Nielsen (40), Adam Hose (20)