Sam Harper Smashes Maiden T20 Century as Stars Stay Unbeaten in BBL
Getty Images Via BBC
Sydney: Sam Harper produced a sensational knock, scoring his maiden domestic T20 century, as Melbourne Stars registered a commanding seven-wicket win over Sydney Sixers to maintain their perfect record in the Big Bash League.
After winning the toss, the Stars opted to bowl first and made immediate inroads, restricting the Sixers to 144 runs at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Tom Curran starred with the ball, returning figures of 3 for 26, including the prized wicket of Babar Azam for just two. Veteran seamer Peter Siddle was equally impressive, picking up 3 for 23.
Daniel Hughes was the lone bright spot for the Sixers, scoring 60 off 42 balls. However, his dismissal triggered a collapse, with the hosts slipping from 90 for 2 to a below-par total.
Chasing 145, the Stars lost Joe Clarke for a duck early, but a 54-run stand between Campbell Kellaway and Harper steadied the innings. Harper soon took control, reaching his fifty off just 28 balls before accelerating further.
The 29-year-old wicketkeeper-batter went on to score an unbeaten 110 off 60 balls, hitting 12 fours and six sixes, surpassing his previous best T20 score of 89.
The Stars sealed victory with 15 balls to spare, moving to the top of the standings with three wins from three matches.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople
Sam Harper’s breakthrough century not only underlined his growing maturity but also reinforced Melbourne Stars’ title credentials. With momentum firmly on their side, the Stars look well-placed as the Big Bash League gathers pace.