The Adelaide Strikers will be out to build some consistency when they make the trip to the MCG for a match against the Melbourne Stars who are getting into their season nicely following a big win. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 7:40pm (AEDT).
The Strikers were almost sitting on the bottom of the table before they took on the Hobart Hurricanes at home a few days ago. A strong victory there elevated their record to two wins and three losses, moving them to within touching distance of the top four.
Unfortunately for Adelaide, though, it’s been a pretty tough campaign so far with runs hard to come by for a majority of their players and simple mistakes costing them dearly.
Losing three out of your first four is almost a sure-fire way to end one’s finals hopes, but the win against the Hurricanes did breathe a little bit of life into the struggling side.
The Strikers’ biggest issue this season has been their batting, with no one apart from Brad Hodge or the phenomenal opener Ben Dunk standing up and getting consistent scores – or any scores for that matter.
For that reason, they just haven’t had enough runs to defend in a majority of games even with Dunk and Hodge both in the top five for total tournament runs.
The Stars, on the other hand, have only played four games so far and have one of the most back-loaded schedules in the competition.
They haven’t gotten off to the most brilliant of starts either, struggling to play to their enormous potential. Nonetheless, a big win over cross-town rivals the Renegades on Sunday night moved them to an even two-and-two record.
The game against the Renegades seemed to announce their arrival into the season as they ran up a massive 200 after winning the toss and electing to bat first.
Runs were scored all the way down the order with everyone playing their role, and arguably more importantly, Kevin Pietersen looking in some stunning form on his way to 73 from just 46 balls.
The green machine from Melbourne now sit right on the edge of the top four and with plenty of hitting power will be looking to run up another big score here.
The Strikers’ bowling attack has done quite a good job so far this season, but with plenty of inexperience in the ranks, the pressure will be on against Luke Wright, Pietersen and David Hussey to slow the run rate down and pick up some early wickets.
Prediction
The Stars are always going to be a tough side to beat and they seem to be discovering their mojo. The Strikers’ bowling could get found out a little bit here, and their batting has nowhere near the depth required to score the runs needed.
The Stars, and pretty comfortably.
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of this Big Bash League match from 7:40pm (AEDT) and don’t forget to drop a comment in the section below.
Striker ate 27
Guest
Adelaide strikers ....well what can I say. Once again they had the chance to steal a game they had no chance of winning after batting like c graders the defensive attitude has to change if we are to have any success in this competition .
Scott Pryde
Expert
Well that'll just about do it for The Roar's live coverage of tonight's BBL|06 match as the Melbourne Stars got the better of the Adelaide Strikers. Hopefully you enjoyed the call! I'll be back on Monday Night for the Strikers vs Renegades game, but first you can join Connor Bennett for tomorrow night's match between the Brisbane Heat and Perth Scorchers. Bye for now.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Ben Hilfenhaus is man of the match unsurprisingly.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Don't forget, you can view the full scorecard from the match in the live score box, embedded in the article.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Match Results Ben Hilfenhaus has powered the Melbourne Stars to a two-wicket victory in a nailbiter over the Adelaide Strikers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to move them into the top four on the BBL ladder. Hilfenhaus came in under all sorts of pressure with the Stars six wickets down and the run rate spiralling out of control. He turned around a shocking start to his innings though, ending with 34 from 24 balls including the winning runs. Earlier, the Strikers got off to a cracking start but struggled through the middle overs once Ben Dunk was removed for 35 off 25, Scott Boland picking up four wickets. Eventually, Adelaide ended with 152. The Stars started just as strongly, racking up the runs in the powerplay thanks to an awesome start from Rob Quiney, but like the Strikers they struggled through the middle, paving the way for Hilfenhaus to get the job done for Melbourne. Stars - 8/153 (19.3) Strikers - 8/152 (20) Stars win by 2 wickets with 3 balls to spare
Scott Pryde
Expert
Yeah - looked like the Stars were gooone there, but great effort from Hilfenhaus!! Cheers Jason! Thanks for joining in man.
Jason Hosken
Roar Guru
Go Hilf! Top finish. Good call Scott, cheers mate.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Yeah shocking ball. Needed to keep Beer on strike.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Hilfenhaus has done it! The Stars win by 2 wickets! Hilfenhaus comes down the wicket here and chips a pretty ordinary ball - short and drifting down the leg side - over square leg! The Stars win and what an epic. Stars - 8/153 (19.3) Strikers - 8/152 (20) Stars win by 2 wickets with 3 balls to spare
Basil
Guest
Nesser lost the game with that ball. Club cricketer.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Neser with another full toss, drifting down the leg side and the scores are tied as he gets a single to fine leg. Terrible, terrible bowling right there. Pressure got to him. Stars - 8/152 (19.2) Strikers - 8/152 (20)
Scott Pryde
Expert
Neser with a low full toss to start and Hilfenhaus can only get it down the ground for a single to long off. 2 from 5, but Beer on strike. Stars - 8/152 (19.1) Strikers - 8/152 (20)
Scott Pryde
Expert
It's Michael Neser tasked with the responsibility of bowling the final over.
Scott Pryde
Expert
WICKET! Scott Boland, Bowled Ben Laughlin 0 (2) Wonderful delivery from Laughlin and some fantastic captaincy from Hodge. He opens the off side field up and Laughlin delivers with a yorker. Boland opens up for a cover drive but misses. Bowled! 3 from the final over with Michael Beer in at 10. Stars - 6/150 (19) Strikers - 8/152 (20)
Scott Pryde
Expert
A slower ball yorker this time and Hilfenhaus gets it past the man at short mid wicket for another single. 3 from 7 required now and Hilfenhaus still on strike. He will try to get it done here, but can't see them taking a single for Boland to retain strike. Stars - 6/150 (18.5) Strikers - 8/152 (20)
Scott Pryde
Expert
Another yorker from Laughlin, but again on the line of leg stump. Hilfenhaus gets the bat down on it and it beats the short fine leg, being picked up on the boundary. Another 2 to the score and 4 from 8 required. Hilfenhaus is 29 from 21! Stars - 6/149 (18.4) Strikers - 8/152 (20)
Scott Pryde
Expert
Laughlin goes full here but just drifts outside the leg stump - Boland has it hit his pads and it runs away for three leg byes. Boland still on nothing, but 6 from 9 required and Hilfenhaus on strike. Stars - 6/147 (18.3) Strikers - 8/152 (20)
Scuba
Guest
Hilfy must have heard the criticism of his batting ability.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Scott Boland the next man in. Singles will get it done from here for the Stars.
Scott Pryde
Expert
WICKET! Evan Gulbis, Bowled Ben Laughlin 22 (16) Oh here we go! This match might have another twist yet! Just when you thought the Stars were getting close to being home, Laughlin has put a ball straight through Gulbis. Yorker, right on the spot and it cannons into the stumps. Stars - 6/144 (18.2) Strikers - 8/152 (20)