Twitter Reactions: Glenn Maxwell's blitzkrieg helps Melbourne Stars win their season opener

Chris Lynn failed to perform well for Brisbane Heat

By Jasvinder Singh

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Glenn Maxwell
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Glenn Maxwell. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

After the first match for the day between Sydney Sixers and Hobart Hurricanes, it was time for Brisbane Heat to lock horns with Melbourne Stars in Big Bash League (BBL) 2019-20. The match between the two heavyweights turned out to be a roller-coaster ride for the fans. However, the Stars defeated the Heat by 22 runs in their opening match of the season.

Brisbane Heat won the toss and elected to field to get things going. However, the bowlers proved the decision of their skipper right as they took an important wicket of their in-form batsman Nic Maddinson in the second over of the innings. The left-handed batsman tried to slice the ball to get a boundary off Matthew Renshaw but was caught at the point by Josh Lalor.

Maxwell’s magical knock steers Melbourne Stars to their maiden win in BBL 2019-20

Hilton Cartwright came out to bat at number three and stitched a partnership of 31 runs with Marcus Stoninis. However, in the fifth over, Cartwright tried to hit a slower delivery bowled by Lalor for a six. But, he lost his control and didn’t time his stroke well because of which he was caught by Bryant near the boundary rope. Marcus Stoinis also failed to convert his good start and was dismissed by Ben Cutting.

At that time, Glenn Maxwell came out to bat and that was his first appearance in a high profile tournament after coming out from his indefinite break. He took some time to settle down but soon started punishing the bowlers with his skilful hitting. In the meantime, Peter Handscomb, who was playing well got run-out due to some confusion with his partner.

However, it didn’t affect the flow of the Aussie all-rounder, who played a swashbuckling knock of 83 runs off 39 balls with five big sixes and seven boundaries. His magical knock helped Stars in posting a competitive total of 167 runs in stipulated 20 overs.

Coming onto the chase, Heat for the second time in a row got off to a worst possible start and lost their opener, Max Bryant, in the 3rd over of the match. The right-hand batsman struggled a lot to score runs and under the pressure, he played a mistimed shot against Haris Rauf and was caught by Handscomb behind the stumps.

Chris Lynn again failed to prove his worth and managed to score only six runs before his inning came to a halt. Adam Zampa bowled a brilliant delivery as he tried to play a lofted shot over the long-on for a six. But, Lynn failed to middle the ball and ended up giving a regular catch to Ben Dunk near the boundary line.

However, from one end, Tom Banton was playing the role of sheet anchor and was hitting Stars bowlers in every direction of the park. It looked like he might help Heat to win their first game in BBL 2019-20. He played a good knock of 64 runs off 36 balls with six boundaries and four sixes. Zampa again helped his side to get an important wicket of Banton, which sucked the momentum of the innings.

The Stars bowling unit did a commendable job and successfully defended the total of 167 runs against the heavy-duty batting line up of Brisbane Heat. Adam Zampa registered brilliant bowling figures of 3/30. He was well supported by Haris Rauf and Daniel Worrall from the other end and took two wickets each. Maxwell got Man of the Match award for his magical knock.

The fans congratulated Melbourne Stars for convincingly winning their opening game of BBL 2019-20. Maxwell was also poured with wishes from every nook and corner for his brilliant performances in his comeback match after recovering from his mental health issues.

Here is how Twitter reacted:

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