The Melbourne Stars turned the Melbourne Derby into a one-sided affair, overpowering the Renegades by 8 wickets behind Chris Harper’s blistering unbeaten 84, punctuated by 12 towering sixes. It was a night where one man’s bat rewrote the script of BBL entertainment.
Renegades’ batters faltered under pressure, limping to 145/7. Early strikes from Stars’ seamers set the tone, with Coulter-Nile (3/28) and Ellis (2/29) starring. Clarke’s 43 provided fleeting hope, but regular strikes ensured no late surge. The total looked gettable, but Stars had other plans.
Losing Stoinis and short ball early put Stars at 24/2, but Harper walked in with fire. The 25-year-old Queenslander treated the Renegades attack with disdain, smashing 12 sixes – equaling BBL records – and 6 fours. His partnerships clicked: 70 with Cartwright, 55 with Larkin, cruising to victory in 17.3 overs.
MCG erupted as Harper’s final six cleared the ropes, sealing 149/2. Bowlers like Kane Richardson bled runs at over 10 an over. Harper’s poise under lights marks him as a future star. Stars coach Andrew McDonald hailed the ‘complete performance.’
This result strengthens Stars’ top-four contention, while Renegades slip further. Harper’s innings boosts his case for higher honors. BBL thrives on such moments – pure, unadulterated T20 joy.