BBL|15: Ben Dwarshuis and Joel Davies star as Sydney Sixers beat Melbourne Stars in low-scoring thriller

A disciplined bowling performance followed by a composed chase helped Sydney Sixers record a comfortable six-wicket win Melbourne stars in game 27 of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-2026 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. After winning the toss and choosing to bowl, the Sixers held the Stars to a modest 128 before beating the target with 17 balls to spare.

Melbourne Stars struggle for momentum despite late resistance

Melbourne Stars never really found rhythm with the bat and were bowled out for 128 in 19.5 overs. Sam Harper And Tom Fraser Rogers gave the innings a cautious start, while Marcus Stoinis And Blake McDonald tried to stabilize things in the middle overs. Macdonald’s smooth 33 from 22 balls created some momentum, but regular wickets prevented the Stars from building a decisive partnership. Glenn Maxwell And Hilton Cartwright fell cheaply, increasing the pressure during the second half of the innings.

Ben Dwarshuis and Joel Davies lead the clinical bowling efforts

The Sixers’ bowling attack was ruthless, led by Ben Dwarshuiswho delivered a match-winning spell of 4 for 13 in 3.5 overs. Jack Edwards chipped in with three important wickets, while Joel Davies impressed with figures of 2 for 15, keeping the score under control during the middle overs. The Stars’ lower order offered brief resistance, but disciplined lines and clever variations from the Sixers ensured the hosts never threatened to go beyond a competitive total.

Also READ: BBL|15: Joel Davies’ all-round brilliance guides Sydney Sixers past Brisbane Heat in low-scoring thriller

Josh Philippe and Lachlan Shaw calmly guide the chase

Chasing 129, Sydney Sixers started steadily with Jos Philippe anchoring the innings. Philippe’s fluid 35 from 25 balls set the tone, as much as Babar Azam fell early in an attempt to pick up the pace. Lachlan Shaw then provided the decisive push with a lively 24 off 14 balls, ensuring the required pace never increased. Contributions from Sam Curran And Jordan Silk extra stability, and the Sixers crossed the finish line at 129 for 4 in 17.1 overs.

Melbourne Stars’ bowlers showed flashes of control, especially Stoinis, who took two wickets while conceding just 20 runs. Peter Siddle And Haris Rauf also made breakthroughs, but the low total left little room for error. The Sixers’ hitters played sensibly, switching the strike and punishing loose deliveries to avoid any late drama.

3 wins in a row for Sydney Sixers ⚡#BBL2025 #SydneySixers pic.twitter.com/b1jRmMBPYC

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 8, 2026

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