BBL|15: Ben Dwarshuis and Joel Davies shine as Sydney Sixers edge Melbourne Stars in low-scoring thriller

0 2 2 minutes read

BBL|15: Ben Dwarshuis and Joel Davies shine as Sydney Sixers edge Melbourne Stars in low-scoring thriller

A disciplined bowling performance followed by a composed chase helped Sydney Sixers record a comfortable six-wicket victory over Melbourne Stars during match 27 of Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-2026 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. After winning the toss and electing to bowl, the Sixers held the Stars to a modest 128 before dropping the target with 17 balls to spare.

Melbourne Stars struggle to gain momentum despite late resistance

Melbourne Stars never really found rhythm with the bat and were bowled out for 128 in 19.5 overs. Sam Harper And Tom Fraser Rogers gave a cautious start to the innings, while Marcus Stoinis And Blake Macdonald tried to stabilize things in the middle. Macdonald’s 33 from 22 balls provided some momentum, but regular wickets prevented the Stars from building a decisive partnership. Glenn Maxwell And Hilton Cartwright fell cheap, adding to the pressure during the second half of the innings.

Ben Dwarshuis and Joel Davies lead clinical bowling effort

The Sixers bowling attack has been relentless, led by Ben Dwarshuiswho completed a winning spell of 4 for 13 in 3.5 overs. Jack Edwards contributed with three important wickets, while Joel Davies impressed with figures of 2 for 15, keeping the score under control until the middle of the overs. The Stars’ lower order offered brief resistance, but disciplined lines and intelligent variation from the Sixers ensured the hosts never threatened to surpass a competitive total.

ALSO READ: BBL | 15: Joel Davies’ all-round genius guides Sydney Sixers past Brisbane Heat in low-scoring thriller

Josh Philippe and Lachlan Shaw lead the chase calmly

Chasing 129, the Sydney Sixers got off to a steady start with Josh Philippe anchor the sleeves. Philippe’s 35 out of 25 balls set the tone, even if Babar Azam fell early while trying to speed up the tempo. Lachlan Shaw then provided the decisive push with a spirited 24 from 14 balls, ensuring that the required rate never increased. Contributions from Sam Curran And Jordan Silk added stability, and the Sixers crossed the line at 129 for 4 overs in 17.1.

The 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 made breakthroughs, but the low total leaves little margin for error. The Sixers batters played sensible, alternating strikes and punishing loose deliveries to avoid any late drama.