Sixers skittle Stars to e-book BBL last berth

Sydney Sixers skittled Melbourne Stars for simply 99 to punch their ticket to the Massive Bash League last with a complete 43-run win in Friday’s Qualifier.

The Stars completed prime of the desk however suffered three straight defeats on the finish of the common season, whereas the Sixers – who will now get to host the ultimate – received as many on the spin heading into the match.

It was a contest that adopted the shape e-book, with Steve O’Keefe (2-22), Sean Abbott (3-23) and Josh Hazlewood (2-14) impressing, whereas Nathan Lyon and Ben Dwarshuis every took a wicket.

Solely three Stars batsmen made double figures on the MCG in a poor chase in reply to the Sixers’ 142-7, which seemed nicely underneath par with Josh Philippe’s 34 the best knock of a low-scoring affair.

The Stars, whose rating represents their lowest within the BBL, have one other likelihood to make the ultimate and can meet the winners of Saturday’s match between Adelaide Strikers and Sydney Thunder.

With 2-22 off 4 overs, Steve O’Keefe was tonight’s Participant of the Match #BBL09 pic.twitter.com/duJMP30NN8

— KFC Massive Bash League (@BBL) January 31, 2020

STARS INITIALLY STEM SIXERS

What is going to disappoint the hosts probably the most is how they did not construct on a wonderful displaying within the discipline.

Philippe discovered the boundary 4 instances earlier than being caught-and-bowled by Haris Rauf an over after opening companion James Vince (12) fell to the spectacular Adam Zampa (3-21).

Moises Henriques and Steve Smith placed on 40 for the third wicket earlier than the latter was given caught behind off Zampa regardless of believing he had not hit the ball.

From there the Sixers did not construct any partnerships of word. It meant an enormous effort can be wanted with the ball…

MELBOURNE LEFT SEEING STARS

Issues began badly for Melbourne with Marcus Stoinis (5), Nick Larkin (4) and Peter Handscomb (4) falling inside 5 overs.

It didn’t get any higher for the house aspect as Nic Maddinson (16) top-edged to brief third man and the gleeful fingers of O’Keefe, who shortly got here to the fore.

O’Keefe first compelled Seb Gotch to pull on earlier than snaring the large wicket of Glenn Maxwell (16), who was too straight together with his try to clear long-off. 

The wickets then fell with regularity and Daniel Worrall and Rauf fell off consecutive deliveries from Abbott to wrap up the win with 12 balls to spare.

Printed 31 Jan 2020, 18:36 IST