All-round Stoinis powers Melbourne Stars to victory in opening game

The Melbourne Stars began their BBL 2025/26 season on a high note, securing a comfortable eight-wicket victory against the Hobart Hurricanes at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Stars chased down the target of 159 with four overs to spare, after earlier restricting the Hurricanes to 158/9.

The Hurricanes, after being put in to bat, had a shaky start, losing Mitch Owen and Rehan Ahmed early in the innings. Nikhil Chaudhary's dismissal in the sixth over further compounded their problems, leaving them struggling at 36/3. Ben McDermott and Tim David then put together an 83-run partnership, providing some stability. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. the Stars' disciplined bowling prevented them from taking complete control.

Just as the Hurricanes looked to accelerate their scoring after the substantial partnership, Tim David was dismissed in the 16th over for 31 off 31 balls. McDermott's departure in the 18th over then sparked a collapse, with the Hurricanes losing wickets rapidly, going from 140/4 to 157/9.

In their response, Thomas Rogers gave the Stars a quick start, hitting two boundaries in the first over. Both openers scored freely, forging a 46-run partnership before Rishad Hossain dismissed both in quick succession. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. that was the only setback for the Stars as they cruised to victory.

Marcus Stoinis immediately took charge, hitting seven fours and two sixes in his unbeaten 62 off just 31 balls. Campbell Kellaway provided solid support, finishing with a not-out 41 from 27 deliveries. Stoinis sealed the win in style, smashing 22 runs in the 16th over bowled by Chris Jordan.