Hobart Hurricanes Edge Melbourne Stars by 3 Runs in Rain-Affected BBL Knockout Thriller
Hobart, January 21, 2026 — In a dramatic, rain-marred knockout clash at Bellerive Oval (Ninja Stadium), the defending champions Hobart Hurricanes held their nerve to defeat the Melbourne Stars by three runs via the DLS method, advancing in the Big Bash League 2025-26 and keeping their back-to-back title dreams alive.
Melbourne Stars won the toss and elected to field first in the shortened contest, reduced to 10 overs per side after weather delays pushed the start back by 90 minutes. Rain briefly interrupted the Stars' chase after two overs but play resumed in damp conditions.
Melbourne Stars won the toss and elected to field first in the shortened contest, reduced to 10 overs per side after weather delays pushed the start back by 90 minutes. Rain briefly interrupted the Stars' chase after two overs but play resumed in damp conditions.
The Hurricanes posted a competitive 114 for 5 in their 10 overs. Beau Webster starred with a brisk 47 off 26 balls, earning Player of the Match honours. After an early stumble—Mitchell Owen was stumped for 7, and Tim Ward fell for 10—the innings was anchored by Webster and a late cameo from Nikhil Chaudhary, who blasted consecutive sixes. Webster accelerated dramatically at the death, including a trio of sixes in the final over, helping the Hurricanes add 39 runs off the last two overs (with 21 coming off the 10th). Ben McDermott contributed useful runs and was dropped twice in the field.
Melbourne Stars' bowlers had mixed success. Mitchell Swepson delivered an economical spell of 2 overs for just 12 runs (no wickets), while Glenn Maxwell (1/9), Haris Rauf (1/9), and others kept things tight early. However, death bowling proved costly, notably Tom Curran's final over that leaked 21 runs amid fielding lapses.
Chasing a revised DLS target of 85 in 7 overs, the Stars reached 81 for 4. Joe Clarke top-scored with a quick 31 off 17, while Sam Harper retired out after 10 off 6. Hilton Cartwright provided late fireworks with 15 not out off just 4 balls (including boundaries and a six), and Glenn Maxwell chipped in with 9 not out off 4. However, they fell agonizingly short. Key dismissals included Thomas Rogers bowled for 4 (first ball of Riley Meredith's spell) and Marcus Stoinis caught for 9.
Riley Meredith was the standout bowler for the Hurricanes, taking 2 for 19 in 2 overs (including the crucial Rogers and Clarke wickets). Mitchell Owen added 1 for 22, including a yorker to remove Cartwright's partner. The chase stayed tight on DLS par score throughout, with the Stars needing strong finishes but unable to clear the boundary off the final deliveries.
The win propels the Hurricanes into the next stage of the playoffs. For the Stars, the narrow defeat ends their campaign in heartbreaking fashion on a wet Hobart night.
Key Scorecard Summary:
Hobart Hurricanes 114/5 (10 overs)
- Beau Webster: 47 (26)
- Notable: Strong death hitting; extras and cameos boosted total Melbourne Stars 81/4 (7 overs, Target 85 DLS)
- Joe Clarke: 31 (17)
- Hilton Cartwright: 15* (4)
- Sam Harper: 10 (retired out)
This tightly contested, weather-affected knockout encapsulated the high drama of BBL finals cricket.
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