The Melbourne Stars have ended their four-game skid without a win following a 10-run win over the Hobart Hurricanes thanks to a pair of freak catches from import Andre Fletcher along with a brutal display of batting from Marcus Stoinis.
The Stars were eager to gain revenge over the Hurricanes after they collapsed in their previous encounter two days earlier, losing 6/28 in quick fashion.
With Fletcher departing in the opening over, Stoinis carried his bat through the innings, smashing 97* off 55 balls as wickets fell around him.
Right in the slot... 💥
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 4, 2021
The first Power Surge over goes for 21! #BBL10 pic.twitter.com/TX0J1ILN75
97no from 55 balls for Marcus Stoinis 👏
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 4, 2021
That was heaps of fun to watch #BBL10 pic.twitter.com/EqGuS1LXbR
This included 18 runs off the last over, powering the Melbourne side to 6/183 at the end of 20 overs.
Ben McDermott and the Hurricanes looked set to spoil the party for the Stars, with the 26-year-old continuing to build off his Australia A hundred against India in December as he attempted to guide the home side to victory.
However, Fletcher would come to the rescue in the field, first nabbing South African import Colin Ingram with a brilliant, full stretch take at deep cover.
The dive, the catch, the dance moves. The Spiceman has delivered@BKTtires | #BBL10 pic.twitter.com/MU2I1D4isl
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 4, 2021
With McDermott finding some much-needed support in skipper Pete Hanscomb, Fletcher would once again step up and steal the game for the Stars.
He would somehow find a way to outshine his initial effort, holding onto a rocket drive from McDermott to dismiss him for 91.
The first one was great, this one was even better. Incredible! #BBL10 pic.twitter.com/8s2zJIfqFm
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 4, 2021
SPICEMANNNNNNN!!
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 4, 2021
He's taken not one, but TWO unbelievable outfield catches! #BBL10
The two freak catches would holt the Hurricanes momentum, allowing the Stars to scrap home with a 10 run victory.
