HUR vs STA Match Result

12:15 PM IST Hang on! With Sam Harper struggling to time the ball, the Melbourne Stars have made a quick decision to retire him out. The Big Show comes into the picture. The Stars need more than ever for Maxwell to unleash himself.

12:12 PM IST That brings a wrap to this rain-curtailed thriller, a massive credit once again to both the umpires and the players for ensuring the game flowed despite the constant drizzle. With the Knockout now decided, the Hobart Hurricanes advance to face Sydney Sixers in the Challenger, where the winner will earn the ultimate right to take on the Scorchers in the Grand Final. Join us on the 23rd of January at 1.45 pm IST (8.15 am GMT). You can join us an hour before for the build-up. Goodbye for now.

12:11 PM IST After a couple of hours' delay, the Knockout clash was reduced to a 10-over shootout. The Hobart Hurricanes overcame a shaky start to post a competitive 114/5 against the Melbourne Stars. Despite early strikes from Glenn Maxwell and Haris Rauf, and a disciplined, tight spell from Mitchell Swepson that kept the Hurricanes in check for the mid-innings, the momentum shifted dramatically during the closing stages. Although Ben McDermott’s counter-attack was cut short for 12, a late-inning explosion saw Nikhil Chaudhary smash 24 off 11 balls, and top-scorer Beau Webster find his rhythm to finish with a commanding 47 off 26 balls. By plundering 39 runs from the final two overs, the Hurricanes successfully salvaged their innings. Well, that late Surge turned out to be a pivotal moment in the game.

12:10 PM IST Beau Webster is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for a vital knock of 47 runs from 26 balls. Webster says it was a tense finish, with heart-stopping moments in the final five minutes. Feels that the Stars are a dangerous outfield and they put up a good fight, but he is pleased his side managed to hold their nerve and get over the line. Shares that he is happy that the team came through a rain-affected contest. Webster adds that shortened games are tricky, particularly when it comes to setting a target, as it is never quite clear what a good score is. Looking ahead, Webster acknowledges the quality of the Sixers, especially with Starc and Smith in form, and expects a tough challenge.

12:10 PM IST Despite the immense pressure of defending 25 in the final over, Mitchell Owen's bottle was truly tested as he initially struggled with his lengths and was punished for missing his mark, however, he ultimately held his nerve on the final delivery to shut the door on the Stars' comeback. Chasing an initial 115, the Melbourne Stars lost Thomas Rogers early before a second rain delay forced a dramatic mid-innings revision, slashing the target to a daunting 85 runs from just 7 overs. While Joe Clarke played a valiant hand, the pressure of the mounting required rate saw Sam Harper retired out to bring ' The Big Show' Glenn Maxwell to the crease in a desperate bid for power. Ultimately, the task proved insurmountable with 26 runs required off the final over. The Stars were left with a near-impossible mountain to climb, falling short by 3 runs.

12:03 PM IST Hurricanes weather the Storm! Despite the persistent rain and multiple delays, the Knockout is finally in the books, and the Hobart Hurricanes have officially punched their ticket to a Challenger showdown with the Sydney Sixers opposite them at the iconic 'SCG'. What a rain-curtailed game we have just witnessed. In an eventful outing defined by rain interruptions, the umpires and players deserve immense credit for persevering through persistent rain and treacherous, unfamiliar conditions.