Maxwell powers Stars into BBL finals with big win over Hurricanes

The Melbourne Stars continued their remarkable comeback story in BBL14 on Sunday night, with Glenn Maxwell powering his team into the Big Bash League finals with a 40-run victory over the Hobart Hurricanes at the MCG.

The Stars have now won five matches in a row after losing their first five of the season.

Just a fortnight ago they paid as long as $26 across Big Bash bookies to win the title, but the Stars have since shortened to $5.50 to claim their maiden trophy — which is now just three wins away.

Heroics from Maxwell again set the base for Melbourne’s victory, with the all-rounder blasting 76 runs from 32 balls to go with his scores of 90, 58 not out and 20 not out over the Stars’ last three matches.

The 36-year-old had good company from Beau Webster (51 from 31) and Marcus Stoinis (32 from 19) as the hosts piled on the runs to make their highest total of the season, 5/219.

It proved to be far too much for the Hurricanes, who had nothing to gain from the match having already sealed top spot on the BBL table.

Mitchell Owen (38 from 17) added nicely at the top, but with the wickets of Caleb Jewell (5 from 5), Charlie Wakim (0 from 2) and Ben McDermott (2 from 3) falling at the other end, Hobart fell behind the pace.

Solid contributions in the middle order — Nikhil Chaudhary (27 from 16), Matthew Wade (21 from 19) and Tim David (27 from 18) — kept the Hurricanes in the fight.

However, steady wickets meant the visitors fell 40 runs short, ending all out for 179 despite a late flurry by captain Nathan Ellis (40 from 22).

Mark Steketee was the pick of the Melbourne bowlers, ending on 4/24 from his 3.3 overs.

“It’s been a hell of a turnaround this year, and it’s been so exciting to be a part of,” Maxwell said after being awarded player of the match for the third game in a row.

“Stoinis and ‘Mosey’ (Peter Moores) deserve much credit for keeping the changing room together.

“It’s a very fun place to be a part of at the moment.

“I think (Stoinis) has been pretty consistent throughout. I think the results have changed.

“On the back of that, I suppose, the groundwork that he built at the start of the tournament and he’s been out saying he’s held the group together.

“He’s just been awesome.

“We just can’t speak high enough about the changing room at the moment.”

The Stars face the Sydney Thunder in Wednesday’s knockout final and are $1.72 favourites across top cricket betting sites to progress to the challenger final.

The Hurricanes, meanwhile, meet the Sydney Sixers in the qualifier final on Tuesday, where they are $1.78 favourites to win and book a spot in the grand final on Monday, January 27.

Sports betting news