Stars vs Strikers, 40th Match at Melbourne, BBL, Jan 15 2021 - Ball by Ball Commentary

The result means there is now a four-way deadlock on 20 points between the Scorchers, Stars, Heat and Strikers. However, the Strikers net run rate took a hefty blow with the margin of this defeat, the lowest ever total by the Strikers (their previous worst was 87 in 2012) and third lowest total in BBL history, to put them last in terms of those four teams on net run rate, placing them sixth out of eight teams on the BBL table. The Stars meanwhile are in fourth as the four teams equal on 20 points trail both Sydney franchises at the top of the standings. That's all from us for tonight. Come back tomorrow for more BBL action. Take care!

Man of the Match Andre Fletcher: "It means a lot. First I want to thank the coaching staff for believing in me. A few days ago I got a phone call from the great Brian Charles Lara and I was overwhelmed. The advice that he gave me, I decided to go into the game and apply myself. It goes to show why he's so great. I want to donate that fifty to my uncle who passed away a few weeks ago. Every day the batting coach Luke Wright and David Hussey have been reminding me I've been striking the ball well, it's just a matter of getting some luck to go on. It's good to have a big score in the MCG and I'm looking for some more. When I get going I try my best not to let things distract me. My shoes started coming untied [the more I scored] so maybe that's the reason."

9.59 pm A thoroughly dreadful performance by Strikers in their first match without Rashid Khan. Stars had a sedate start for the first 10 overs before Fletcher turned on the afterburners in the second half of the innings and Strikers were never in the chase at any stage.

Zampa has returned to the field with an over off in the dugout again. Slip in place.

Rain is picking up quite a bit.

Liam: "Absolutely no excuses for the Strikers, they have been deplorable. The damage was done before the wind picked up. But that swirly wind in the MCG makes it a nightmare to hit big. "

Strikers seem determined to get bowled out before the rain intensifies.

Rain is now coming down over the pitch at the MCG. Just a light drizzle for now.

Zampa has left the field once again after finishing his third over. Doesn't look like he'll be needed any further after that triple-wicket over.

Andrew McGlashan: "not sure how long Stars were expecting to have him, but Rauf has been named in Pakistan squad for Test series v SA later this month. First test is on Jan 26."

Power Surge is serving to accelerate the collapse rather than accelerate the scoring rate. Meanwhile the weather radar is showing that rain is going to slam the MCG sooner than later, unless the Strikers get bowled out before the 20 overs, which is looking increasingly likely.

Zampa has finished receiving his treatment and is back on the field. Power Surge called for at 5 for 59 with a required run rate of 15.13 at the moment.