KEY POINTS
- Haris Rauf’s three-wicket spell was pivotal in restricting Adelaide Strikers to 155/8.
- Sam Harper’s half-century guided Melbourne Stars to comfortable victory.
- The win keeps the Melbourne Stars unbeaten and at the top of points table.
ADELAIDE, Australia: Pakistan’s pace spearhead Haris Rauf delivered a telling three-wicket haul, setting the stage for the Melbourne Stars’ comfortable four-wicket win over the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League.
The victory at the Adelaide Oval keeps the Stars unbeaten and firmly at the top of the BBL 15 table.
Rauf & Curran Derail Strikers
Choosing to bat first, the Adelaide Strikers were anchored by skipper Matthew Short’s 56.
However, their innings never found top gear, primarily due to a disciplined bowling performance from the Stars.
Tom Curran (3/35) and Haris Rauf (3/28) were the chief destroyers.
Rauf’s crucial spell in the middle and death overs applied consistent pressure, restricting the Strikers to a manageable total of 155/8.
Fellow Pakistani pacer Hasan Ali remained unbeaten on 6 for the Strikers.
Composed Chase Seals the Win
In reply, the Stars chased down the target with 11 balls to spare, finishing at 156/4.
Wicketkeeper-batter Sam Harper played the defining knock, scoring a composed, unbeaten 55 off 36 balls.
He received steady support from the top order, including a brisk 32 from captain Marcus Stoinis.
Hasan Ali tried to spark a comeback for the Strikers with two wickets, but it proved insufficient.
With this win, their second in as many matches, the Melbourne Stars solidify their lead with a commanding net run rate.
