Glenn Maxwell produces matchwinning knock in BBL Melbourne Derby

Glenn Maxwell kept the Melbourne Stars unlikely BBL14 finals hopes alive in another resounding display as tennis star Novak Djokovic was left stunned by one moment early in the Melbourne Derby.

A “genius” Glenn Maxwell produced a mind-boggling assault to drag the Melbourne Stars away from Derby defeat and closer to an astonishing BBL14 finals berth.

The Melbourne Renegades reduced the Stars to 7-75 before Maxwell opted for six or nothing with the tail-end.

In similar fashion to his glittering World Cup double century, Maxwell denied singles as he lifted the Stars to 165 with 90 off 52 balls.

He launched 10 sixes in an 81-run partnership with Usama Mir who made a five-ball duck.

The Renegades couldn’t match Maxwell’s punishing innings, falling 43 runs short of victory in reply.

Stars seamer Mark Steketee finished with 5-17 despite bowling a 10-ball first over.

The Fox Cricket panel said Maxwell was one of few players in world cricket who could turn away runs in a Twenty20.

“He’s such a genius … he can do things not many in the game can do,” Former England captain Michael Vaughan said.

“When there’s Maxwell, there’s hope,” Australian champion Adam Gilchrist added.

Maxie smacks giant maximum.

Prior to Maxwell’s heroics, Renegade Fergus O’Neill came just short of a hat-trick and Marcus Stoinis’ dismissal wowed a packed crowd which included tennis champion Novak Djokovic.

Stoinis launched a drive extremely close to the Marvel Stadium roof on its way to long on.

The 10-time Australian Open winner jumped out of his seat to get a better look at the high ball but then disappeared down the race before the end of the innings.

The Stars, after starting the season 0-5, are now inside the top four with a game against the Hobart Hurricanes in hand.

Even @DjokerNole couldn't believe this!

Marcus Stoinis gets caught after hitting a high ball, and Novak Djokovic reacts accordingly! #BBL14pic.twitter.com/7eaGv3xLza

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 12, 2025

USAMA’S MARE

Glenn Maxwell didn’t hide his disappointment with Usama Mir after the spinner’s nightmare brain fade ended their rampaging partnership.

Maxwell was farming the strike perfectly until the 19th over when the Renegades gambled with part-time off-spinner Jacob Bethell.

The field was in and instead of dropping and running to get Maxwell on strike, Mir swung unsuccessfully at two balls before top-edging the third.

Mir made inroads later however, taking a diving catch to dismiss Renegades power-hitter Josh Brown.

TROUBLE AT THE TOP

The Melbourne Stars’ change in fortunes have come amid a difficult run of form for gloveman Sam Harper.

Harper, who was trapped LBW on the first ball of the game by Melbourne Renegade Tom Rogers, has hit just 17 runs across his past five innings.

To rub salt into Harper’s wounds, he was penalised four byes after a free hit ricocheted off the stumps and went to the fence.

Harper is likely to remain at the top of the order despite his form, with English opener Ben Duckett playing his final game of the tournament.

Originally published as Glenn Maxwell produces matchwinning knock in BBL Melbourne Derby