Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars: STA chase 158-run target in today’s BBL match

MELBOURNE: Marcus Stoinis capatined team chased 158-run total in the 5th clash, as STA comfortably reached the opponents’ target in the Hobart Hurricanes Versus Melbourne Stars on Thursday.

Bowling first in the Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars, the STA playing XI contained their opponents after sending them in to bat first, with Nathan Ellis captained team, posting only 158-run total.

Hobart Hurricanes Batting Line

The Nathan captained team sent Mitchell Owen and Nikhil Chaudhary in the initial, opening their innings in an unsatisfactory way. Glenn and Marcus both of them after each scored only 8 and 7, respectively.

During their innings, Ben McDermott remained the only shining batter, adding 69 off 52 balls, while Tim David put only 31 off 31 balls. Yet again, both were downed as Marcus and Peter Siddle each smashed them, respectively. This greatly affected the team’s batting line, with none of the team players now exceeding 8.

All were downed by STA shining bowlers, resulting in just a 158-run target that Marcus felt easily with as his team were in momentum to manage the chase.

STA’s chase of 158-run total

Chasing the target, Melbourne Stars began their innings by sending top order Joe Clarke and Tom Rogers in the opening, keeping an early chase.

Both played their level best, with each scoring 20 (20 balls) and 30 (18 deliveries) respectively, before being both downed by Rishad Hossain of the opponents. The chase stood at a 108-run difference when Campbell Kellaway and skipper Marcus Stoinis stepped.

With 6 given in extras to STA by now, both Campbell and Marcus reached the opponents’ 158-run total after each (unbeaten) added 41 and 62. That bore a strong victory for the STA XI, putting them on top of the BBL 2026 standings.

Melbourne Stars BBL 2026 ranking

The BBL 2026 standings have a new benchmark as the Melbourne Stars climbed to the top of the table following their fifth match victory of the season. The win reinforces their strong start and highlights their growing momentum as the tournament gathers pace.

With five matches played, the Stars have shown impressive balance and consistency, translating performances into crucial points. Their rise to the top reflects not just victories, but control — keeping rivals at bay in a tightly contested ladder.

As teams jostle for early advantage in the Big Bash League 2026, Melbourne Stars now set the standard. While the season is still young, their current position sends a clear message: the Stars are leading the race, and chasing teams will need something special to dislodge them.