A disciplined bowling performance followed by a composed chase helped Sydney Sixers register a comfortable six-wicket victory over Melbourne Stars in Match 27 of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025–26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. After winning the toss and opting to bowl, the Sixers kept the Stars to a modest 128 before knocking off the target with 17 balls to spare.

Melbourne Stars struggle for momentum despite late resistance

Melbourne Stars never quite found rhythm with the bat and were bowled out for 128 in 19.5 overs. Sam Harper and Tom Fraser Rogers gave the innings a cautious start, while Marcus Stoinis and Blake Macdonald attempted to stabilise things in the middle overs. Macdonald’s brisk 33 off 22 balls provided some momentum, but regular wickets ensured the Stars could not build a decisive partnership. Glenn Maxwell and Hilton Cartwright fell cheaply, compounding the pressure during the latter half of the innings.

Ben Dwarshuis and Joel Davies spearhead clinical bowling effort

The Sixers’ bowling attack was relentless, led by Ben Dwarshuiswho delivered a match-winning spell of 4 for 13 in 3.5 overs. Jack Edwards chipped in with three important wickets, while Joel Davies impressed with figures of 2 for 15, keeping the scoring in check through the middle overs. The Stars’ lower order offered brief resistance, but disciplined lines and clever variations from the Sixers ensured the hosts never threatened to push beyond a competitive total.

Josh Philippe and Lachlan Shaw guide the chase calmly

Chasing 129, Sydney Sixers started steadily with Josh Philippe anchoring the innings. Philippe’s fluent 35 off 25 balls set the tone, even as Babar Azam fell early trying to up the tempo. Lachlan Shaw then provided the decisive push with a lively 24 off 14 balls, ensuring the required rate never climbed. Contributions from Sam Curran and Jordan Silk added stability, and the Sixers crossed the finish line at 129 for 4 in 17.1 overs.

Melbourne Stars’ bowlers showed flashes of control, particularly Stoinis, who picked up two wickets while conceding just 20 runs. Peter Siddle and Haris Rauf also managed breakthroughs, but the low total left little margin for error. The Sixers’ batters played sensibly, rotating strike and punishing loose deliveries to avoid any late drama.

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