Big Bash League: Rauf stars with five-for as Stars crush Hurricanes

Melbourne, December 22: Haris Rauf starred as the Melbourne Stars made it back-to-back wins to begin their Big Bash League campaign with a thrashing of the Hobart Hurricanes.

Marcus Stoinis (unbeaten 81) guided the Stars to 163-4 after they elected to bat first in Moe on Sunday (December 22).

Hobart, who were also coming into the clash on the back of a win, were only briefly any chance in their chase.

Clive Rose (32 not out) was their top-scorer as Rauf (5-27) ripped through the Hurricanes' batting order, Hobart bowled out for 111 to give the Stars a 52-run win.

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RAUF TAKES HIS CHANCE

Rauf was only called up to the Stars' squad as cover for injured South African star Dale Steyn.

The 25-year-old Pakistani has grabbed his chance, backing up his decent start, having taken 2-20 in the Stars' win over the Brisbane Heat.

Rauf went through Hobart's middle- and lower-orders in a hugely impressive performance.

While Steyn is a huge recruit for the Stars, they can afford not to rush the 36-year-old back from his side strain.

Pakistani Haris Rauf continues to impress in #BBL09 with a wicket in his first over, and doesn't he love it! https://t.co/LjKTXnEIPS pic.twitter.com/1JprJMDYd2
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) 22 December 2019

SUPER STOINIS STEPS UP

Stoinis produced the best innings of the game with his 54-ball 81, which included seven fours and four sixes.

The right-hander was dropped off his first ball – Rose (0-12) putting down a return chance – while he provided another opportunity the Hurricanes messed up when he was on five.

Stoinis punished Hobart for those mistakes, with his 81-run opening partnership with Nic Maddinson (40) setting up the innings.

Marcus Stoinis brings up his fifty in style, from just 28 balls.

LIVE: https://t.co/LjKTXnEIPS #BBL09 pic.twitter.com/0YyQLAWLh1
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) 22 December 2019