Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder: Stars extend winning streak to 4

Canberra, Dec 28, 2025: The Melbourne Stars produced a clinical all-round performance to demolish the Sydney Thunder by 9 wickets in Match 14 of the BBL at Manuka Oval.

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Match Recap

Toss: Melbourne Stars won the toss and elected to bowl.

Thunder Collapse

The Sydney Thunder batting lineup never got going. Facing the raw pace of Haris Rauf, they crumbled to a paltry 128 All Out in 20 overs.

• Haris Rauf: The Pakistani speedster was unplayable, finishing with figures of 3/29. He was rightly named Player of the Match.
• David Warner: Failed to fire, departing for a single-digit score.
• Sam Billings: fought a lone battle with a gritty 35, but lacked support from the other end.

Stars Chase

In reply, the Stars made the chase look effortless, reaching the target in just 14 overs.

• Joe Clarke: The English opener continued his red-hot form, smashing 60 off 37 balls.
• Glenn Maxwell: The captain finished the game in style with a blistering 39* off 20 balls, including three massive sixes.

Standings Update

With this win, the Melbourne Stars move to the top of the BBL ladder with 4 wins from 4 games. The Sydney Thunder slip to 6th, having lost 3 of their opening 4 matches.

Upcoming Fixtures

• Dec 30: Perth Scorchers vs Hobart Hurricanes
• Dec 31: Adelaide Strikers vs Melbourne Renegades

Verdict: The Stars look like the team to beat this season, with their bowling attack led by Rauf and Swepson looking championship-ready.

Source = https://unstory.app/sports/melbourne-stars-vs-sydney-thunder-bbl-match-14