A perfect show from Melbourne Stars’ batsmen aided by the spinning duo of Michael Beer and Adam Zampa helped Stars defeat Melbourne Renegades by 46 runs in the 19th game of the sixth edition of Big Bash League (BBL).

Melbourne Renegades skipper Aaron Finch won the toss and decided to bowl first and it seemed to be a good one as they got the first breakthrough on the eleventh delivery of the game with just 10 runs on the board. But then came the moment when the experienced pair of Rob Quiney and Kevin Pietersen blasted 66 runs in next six overs to rescue the team from a poor start. Quiney was looking for a big total but he was caught by Chris Tremain on the bowling off Trent Lawford on 51.

Glenn Maxwell then continued the bashing and scored 24 runs off just 17 deliveries at a strike rate of 141.17. Pietersen too was doing his regular work before getting out on the last delivery of 17th over. He scored 73 off just 46 balls and his knock included seven fours and three sixes. David Hussey then played a quickfire knock of 27 off just 11 balls as the Stars scored 200/7 in their allotted 20 overs.

In reply, Melbourne Renegades again sent Sunil Narine to open the innings but the gamble failed as he could score just 12 runs. Renegades were two down on the score of 30 before they suffered another blow in the form of Finch. The partnership between Marcus Harris and Cameron White then gave this team some hope but then came the moment when Adam Zampa and Michael Beer spun a web and ran through the opposition’s batting line-up.

Riding on regular wickets and economical bowling, Melbourne Stars defeated Melbourne Renegades by a margin of 46 runs. Adam Zampa was awarded Man of the Match award for his figures of 4-0-19-3.