Melbourne Stars Secure First Win of the Season with Stoinis and Lawrence Heroics

JOIN OUR WHATSAPP CHANNEL

Marcus Stoinis and Dan Lawrence played key roles in leading the Melbourne Stars to their first win of the BBL 2025 season. The victory ended a frustrating five-game losing streak for the Stars while adding to the woes of the Brisbane Heat, who suffered their third consecutive loss.

• Marcus Stoinis scored 62 runs in 48 balls.
• Dan Lawrence contributed an unbeaten 64 runs off 38 balls.
• Glenn Maxwell took an extraordinary boundary catch, earning widespread admiration.

A Crucial Win After a Tough Start

The Stars defeated the defending champions Brisbane Heat by five wickets at the Gabba, chasing down the target of 150 runs. This victory ended an eight-game losing streak that dated back to last season, including their first five matches of the current campaign.

Batting first, the Heat posted 149 for 7. Max Bryant was their standout performer with a blazing 77 not out, including six massive sixes. Despite his efforts, the Stars’ bowlers, led by Mark Steketee and Peter Siddle, kept the Heat from building momentum.

Maxwell’s Magic Moment

The highlight of the match came from Glenn Maxwell, who pulled off what many are calling the “catch of the season.” He leaped over the boundary rope, caught the ball mid-air, and threw it back into the field before completing the catch. This athletic effort dismissed Will Prestwidge and showcased Maxwell’s fielding brilliance.

Early Struggles in the Run Chase

The Stars’ chase got off to a rocky start as Xavier Bartlett and Spencer Johnson dismantled their top order, leaving them reeling at 14 for 3. Bartlett’s fiery spell (4 for 10) seemed to put the Heat in control.

Stoinis and Lawrence Steer the Comeback

The Stars found their saviors in Marcus Stoinis and Dan Lawrence, who built a 132-run partnership. Stoinis attacked aggressively, punishing loose deliveries and scoring boundaries at critical moments. Meanwhile, Lawrence stayed calm under pressure and accelerated towards the end, finishing unbeaten with a match-winning 64.

Heat’s Struggles Continue

The Heat’s campaign took another hit as captain Colin Munro continued his poor form, managing only 1 run. Tom Banton (13) and Nathan McSweeney (9) also failed to contribute significantly, leaving the team overly reliant on Bryant’s heroics.

Despite Bryant’s efforts and Paul Walter scoring 21 runs, the Heat’s bowlers could not defend their total. This marks their third loss in a row, raising questions about their performance as defending champions.

Scorecard Highlights

Melbourne Stars

• Total: 153 for 5
• Top Scorers: Dan Lawrence 64* (38), Marcus Stoinis 62 (48)

Brisbane Heat

• Total: 149 for 7
• Top Scorer: Max Bryant 77* (48)
• Best Bowler: Xavier Bartlett 4 for 10

Table of Match Highlights

What Lies Ahead

The Stars will look to build on this momentum as the season progresses. For the Heat, this loss highlights the need for consistency in both batting and bowling. Captain Colin Munro and his team must regroup quickly to salvage their campaign.