Haris Rauf produced a match-winning bowling display as the Melbourne Stars surged to the top of the Big Bash League standings with a commanding nine-wicket victory over the Sydney Thunder at Manuka Oval on Sunday.
Rauf set the tone early and never allowed the Thunder to settle. He finished with figures of 3 for 29, using sharp pace and disciplined lines to dismantle the middle order. His spell ensured the Stars maintained control after opting to bowl first and extended their unbeaten run this season.
Sydney Thunder showed brief promise through openers Sam Konstas and Matt Gilkes, who raced to 23 without loss after two overs. However, momentum shifted quickly as both fell in quick succession. Gilkes, who survived two earlier chances, eventually fell to Rauf as pressure mounted.
David Warner lifted the crowd with a towering six that landed on the Manuka Oval roof, but his stay was short-lived. He departed on the very next delivery, leaving the Thunder struggling at 64 for 4 at the halfway stage.
Haris Rauf 3-29 (4.0) vs Sydney Thunders | BBL 2025-26 | Ball By Ball Highlights
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— PCT Replays 2.0 (@ReplaysPCT) December 28, 2025Rauf struck again by removing Sam Billings just as the English batter began to settle. He later claimed his third wicket when Chris Green flicked a catch straight to short fine leg. The Stars’ bowling attack received strong support from new recruit Mitchell Swepson, who returned figures of 2 for 18. Swepson made an immediate impact by taking a wicket with his first ball and later trapping Cameron Bancroft lbw.
Unable to recover from the early setbacks, the Thunder closed their innings on a below-par total of 128. It marked their first defeat of the campaign after three consecutive wins.
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In reply, the Stars cruised through the chase with ease. They reached the target with 36 balls remaining, underlining their dominance. Joe Clarke anchored the innings with a fluent 60 off 37 deliveries. Sam Harper remained unbeaten on 29, while Glenn Maxwell added a rapid 39 not out from just 20 balls to seal the victory in style.
The result keeps Melbourne Stars firmly on top of the table and reinforces their strong start to the season. For Sydney Thunder, the loss serves as a reminder of the fine margins in the Big Bash League, despite an otherwise positive start.
