Worrall and Maxwell continue curse of table-toppers as Stars reach BBL final
Dan Worrall made early inroads into the Hurricanes' powerful top order and despite three wickets for Qais Ahmad the chase was comfortable
Dan Worrall made early inroads into the Hurricanes' powerful top order and despite three wickets for Qais Ahmad the chase was comfortable
Commentator: Andrew McGlashan
Melbourne Stars win by six wickets and are into the BBL final. They will play either the Renegades (at Marvel) or the Sixers (at the SCG). They were very good tonight, the tone was set by Dan Worrall's new-ball burst then they knocked the runs off very sensibly, calmly finished by the stand between Glenn Maxwell and Seb Gotch. Qais Ahmad claimed three wickets but it was enough for Hobart so the table-topping side fall at the semi-finals. The debate will rumble on about whether there should be a second chance in such a long tournament. For now, though, it's all about the Stars who are timing things just right at the end of the competition.
"Just so happy," says Peter Handscomb. "We are a family and having so much fun. We've been hitting form at the right time, credit to Hobart they've had an incredible season. No nervous moments, we had it under control all the way. Not fussed either way [for the final] so we'll take it as it comes."
Simon: "Told you Maxi is more responsible now. Great for the Stars, and Australia!"
Glenn Maxwell "Amazing, as in previous years doesn't matter where you finish in the top four. The way he [Worrall] got the wickets, thought he was really smart the way he stayed ahead of the game. I felt like we were in control, but those two [Bailey and McDermott] played really well. The timing when we got them out was key. I thought the way Marcus and Peter got out of the Powerplay [was very good]. I was throwing up if we should go right-left hand and my gut instinct was to go with Maddinson. His innings was key and changed the momentum, but pressure on the overseas pro. I had a bit of time to get into my innings, the guys around me played their perfectly. Seb Gotch was outstanding, kept the partnership flowing. I'd love to have an all-Melbourne final."
Dan Worrall is Man of the Match "Pretty good night all in all, playing some good cricket at the end of the tournament. Feels good for any player [to be mentioned about the Ashes] but just have to play every game as well as you can. It's a very fun dressing room, never a dull moment."
We'll wrap things up there for tonight, we'll be back for the second semi-final between the Renegades and Sixers tomorrow night. For now, from Gnasher, it's goodbye and thanks for joining us.
Stuart: "What incentive is there to win the league at the moment? There is no difference whether you win the league or finish second; both prizes are just a home semi final "
Can Faulkner produce a four-run over to give Hurricanes a chance?
Rahul: "I feel for Wade for not being selected for the national team, but this is terrible captaincy, isn't it? He had to get a few over away earlier from the fifth bowling options. Or am I missing something here?" He gambled a bit. Felt he needed wickets.
He believes he can fool batsmen into thinking he's going to do something different, when he's actually planning to bowl the same ball
In six out of the eight editions of the BBL, the team finishing top of the table as fallen at the semi-final. Here's a brief history of the curse of dominating the group stage
Dan Worrall made early inroads into the Hurricanes' powerful top order and despite three wickets for Qais Ahmad the chase was comfortable
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