Big Bash League – Melbourne Stars claim fourth spot
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Shane-Keith-Warne-c89672’s Melbourne Stars grabbed a semifinal berth in the inaugural KFC Big Bash League, triumphing over Adelaide Strikers in the penultimate match of the first stage of the lucrative tournament, winning the game by six wickets.
Both sides needed a win to qualify for the knock out stages and the Stars rose to the task well at the MCG, attaining the fourth spot which consequently knocked out Brisbane Heat as well.
In a low scoring affair, the Strikers batted poorly to post just 125 in their 20 overs. Opting to bat first, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Michael-Klinger-c76093 started on a bright note, adding 36 inside 5 overs.
However, the introduction of medium pacer, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/CJ-Ferguson-c1264 offered stability with a well made 41 off 29 balls.
However, with other falling around him, the Stars managed to put the brakes on the scoring rate as the last six batsmen could only add 25 runs, which saw the Adelaide franchise bowled out on meagre total.
With semifinal spot beckoning, the Stars also faltered early on, losing http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Bryce-McGain-c1202 reduced the hosts to 38 for 3 in seven overs.
However, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/DJ-Hussey-c1380 kept his cool to guide his team to the victory margin with a composed unbeaten knock of 41, supported expertly by Stars skipper, Cameron White, who brushed aside his poor form to make a gritty 28.
The finishing touches were given by http://www.senore.com/Cricket/George-Bailey-c1480 as he struck one four and a six to make 19 not out. In the end the home side chased down the target inside 19 overs, knocking the opposition and consequently, Heat out of the competition, which previously occupied the fourth spot.
The Melbourne franchise will now play the first semifinal against Perth Scorchers at the WACA ground on 21st of January, while the Hobart Hurricanes will battle with Sydney Sixers a day later.
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