• Ben Duckett's explosive knock propelled the Melbourne Stars to an exhilarating 5-wicket win against the Melbourne Renegades.

  • Duckett scored 67 runs off 49 balls in the Melbourne derby of BBL 2024-25.

Twitter reactions: Stars triumph over Renegades as Ben Duckett shines in Melbourne derby clash of BBL 2024-25
Melbourne Stars triumph over Melbourne Renegades as Ben Duckett shines in derby clash of BBL 2024-25 (Image source: X)

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The highly anticipated Melbourne Derby unfolded at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on January 4, 2025, as the Melbourne Stars faced off against the Melbourne Renegades in the 23rd match of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2024-25 season. The match was marked by a thrilling performance from Ben Duckett, whose explosive innings propelled the Stars to a 5-wicket victory, securing their second win of the season.

Melbourne Renegades’ struggles with the willow

Winning the toss, the Melbourne Stars opted to bowl first, a decision that would prove crucial as they aimed to restrict their rivals. The MCG, known for its vibrant atmosphere and challenging pitch conditions, set the stage for an exciting encounter. The Renegades, batting first, managed to post a total of 168 runs for 7 wickets in their allotted 20 overs, setting a target of 169 runs for the Stars.

The Renegades’ innings began with a shaky start. They lost their first wicket early when Josh Brown was dismissed for just 6 runs. Jake Fraser-McGurk and Tim Seifert followed suit, leaving the team struggling at 53 for 3. However, Jacob Bethell and Jonathan Wells steadied the innings with a partnership that brought some stability. Bethell scored a commendable 49 runs off 36 balls, while Wells contributed 45 runs off 31 balls.

The late surge from Laurie Evans, who scored 24 runs off just 11 balls, helped the Renegades reach a competitive total, but it was clear they had left room for improvement. Joel Paris was the standout bowler, claiming 2 wickets for 23 runs, showcasing a disciplined bowling performance that kept the Renegades in check throughout their innings.

Also WATCH: Joel Paris’ no look run-out attempt to dismiss Jacob Bethell in the BBL 2024-25

Ben Duckett’s dazzling display in Melbourne Stars innings

Chasing down 169 runs, the Stars faced early setbacks as well. They lost Thomas Rogers and Sam Harper quickly, leaving them at a precarious 3 for 2. However, Duckett’s arrival at the crease changed the momentum of the game. He played an aggressive knock of 67 runs off 49 balls, hitting four boundaries and three sixes. His ability to rotate the strike and find boundaries at crucial moments was instrumental in guiding his team towards victory.

Duckett received valuable support from Marcus Stoinis and Hilton Cartwright. Stoinis scored 48 runs off 35 balls, while Cartwright remained unbeaten on 24 runs off just 12 balls, ensuring that the Stars crossed the finish line with two balls to spare. The partnership between Duckett and Stoinis was particularly vital as they built a solid foundation after early wickets fell. Gurinder Sandhu turned out to be the lone warrior, claiming 3 wickets for 29 runs in his four overs against the Renegades who showed resilience.

The match concluded with the Melbourne Stars triumphing by 5 wickets, marking a significant win that could rejuvenate their season. Duckett’s performance earned him the Player of the Match award, highlighting his pivotal role in this derby clash.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

Also WATCH: Chris Jordan’s straight drive accidentally hits the umpire | BBL 2024-25

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About the Author:
AKASH THAPA
Akash Thapa is a dedicated cricket journalist with three years of experience in the media industry. A BA (JMC) graduate from VIPS, GGSIPU, and a postgraduate in MAJMC from the University of Lucknow, Akash combines his academic credentials with a deep-rooted passion for cricket.His background as a former junior-level wrestler and cricketer enriches his insightful analysis and commentary on the game. Known for his inventive approach to writing and his commitment to capturing the nuances of cricket, Akash is a true aficionado of the sport.Connect with Akash on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.