BBL 2024-25 Knockout: Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Stars – Match Highlights and Scorecard

Sydney Thunder beat Melbourne Stars by 21 runs in the Knockout match of the BBL 2024-25.

Sydney Thunder emerged victorious by 21 runs in a thrilling BBL knockout match against Melbourne Stars on January 22 to secure a spot in the Challengers.

Sydney Thunder posted a challenging total of 135/7 in their 19 overs, with solid contributions from their middle order despite early setbacks. The innings began on a disappointing note as captain David Warner was dismissed for a duck, caught by Marcus Stoinis off the bowling of Tom Curran in the second over. The early blow was followed by a quick departure for Hugh Weibgen, dismissed for 11 by Usama Mir.

Matthew Gilkes played an exciting knock, hitting 28 off 18 balls, including three boundaries and one six, before falling to another Usama Mir delivery, caught by Glenn Maxwell at short cover. Billings (24 off 25) and Oliver Davies (36 off 35) showed some resilience, but their efforts were not enough to build a substantial partnership. The lower order struggled, with George Garton (5) and Chris Green (3) falling cheaply, while McAndrew (9) and Tom Andrews (13) remained unbeaten in the death overs.

In reply, Melbourne Stars faced an uphill task. They lost their first wicket early as Sam Harper was dismissed for a quick-fire 6, bowled out by Nathan McAndrew. Thomas Fraser Rogers (1) and Peter Handscomb (11) followed soon after, with the latter missing an edge that went unnoticed by the fielders and the on-field umpire. Marcus Stoinis, who had been in good form, also perished after making 15. Glenn Maxwell, who contributed 28, was dismissed by Tanveer Sangha, leaving the Stars’ chase in tatters.

A late flurry from Hilton Cartwright (15) and Mark Steketee (18) tried to keep the momentum alive, but McAndrew’s stellar spell (5 wickets for 16 runs) and some key wickets from Tom Andrews and Sangha ensured Melbourne Stars were bowled out for just 114 in 18 overs.

Sydney Thunder’s bowling attack was clinical, with McAndrew taking 5 wickets, while Sangha and Andrews picked up two wickets each, and Chris Green also chipped in with a vital wicket.

With this win, Sydney Thunder will now face Sydney Sixers in the Challenger on January 24 at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The winner of this match will progress to the final, while the losing side will be knocked out of the tournament.

Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Stars Full Match Scorecard

Sydney Thunder: 135/7 (19 overs)

BattersRB4S6SSR
David Warner02000.00
Hugh Weibgen111110100.00
Matthew Gilkes281831155.56
Sam Billings24254096.00
Oliver Davies363521102.86
George Garton5510100.00
Chris Green3300100.00
Nathan McAndrew9710128.57
Tom Andrews13811162.50
Extra6 15 (b 1, w 3, nb 0, lb 2)
Total135/7 (19 ov)
BowlersOMRWECON
Tom Curran402626.50
Mark Steketee1012012.00
Peter Siddle302919.67
Usama Mir402626.50
Glenn Maxwell10303.00
Doug Warren301816.00
Marcus Stoinis301816.00

Fall of wickets: 1-1 (David Warner – 0.2 ov), 2-37 (Hugh Weibgen – 4.2 ov), 3-52 (Matthew Gilkes – 6.5 ov), 4-79 (Sam Billings – 11.6 ov), 5-102 (George Garton – 14.5 ov), 6-105 (Chris Green – 15.2 ov), 7-118 (Oliver Davies – 17.1 ov)

Melbourne Stars: 114/10 (18 overs)

BattersRB4S6SSR
Sam Harper6310200.00
Tom Fraser Rogers140025.00
Peter Handscomb11152073.33
Marcus Stoinis15241062.50
Glenn Maxwell282131133.33
Hilton Cartwright151121136.36
Tom Curran01000.00
Usama Mir571071.43
Mark Steketee181302138.46
Doug Warren781087.50
Peter Siddle1100100.00
Extra7 15 (b 0, w 7, nb 0, lb 0)
Total114/10 (18 ov)
BowlersOMRWECON
Nathan McAndrew401654.00
Wes Agar201306.50
Tom Andrews302026.67
Tanveer Sangha403127.75
Chris Green301615.33
George Garton201809.00

Fall of wickets: 1-6 (Sam Harper – 0.3 ov), 2-15 (Tom Fraser Rogers – 2.2 ov), 3-27 (Peter Handscomb – 4.5 ov), 4-65 (Marcus Stoinis – 10.2 ov), 5-68 (Glenn Maxwell – 11.2 ov), 6-68 (Tom Curran – 11.3 ov), 7-73 (Usama Mir – 12.4 ov), 8-89 (Hilton Cartwright – 14.5 ov), 9-113 (Mark Steketee – 17.3 ov), 10-114 (Doug Warren – 17.6 ov)


Match Result: Sydney Thunder won by 21 runs

Player of the Match: Nathan McAndrew