Tom Curran bowls Stars into the playoffs

Tom Curran took 4 for 10 – the second-best figures of this BBL season – as Melbourne Stars barged into the Big Bash League playoffs with a comprehensive six-wicket victory over Adelaide Strikers at the MCG.

After winning the toss and electing to field, the Stars' bowlers exploited the surface brilliantly. Alex Carey fell in the second over to a sharp diving catch. Chris Lynn was trapped lbw by a classic Curran slower ball. Peter Siddle then removed Matthew Short, leaving the Strikers reeling at 14 for 3. They were 21 for 4 by the end of the PowerPlay.

At 40 for 5 by the drinks break, the Strikers were in freefall. Mitchell Swepson ensured no recovery, dismissing Jamie Overton and Hasan Ali in quick succession. Lloyd Pope was stumped charging at Swepson, leaving Adelaide nine down for just 55. Cameron Boyce provided brief entertainment with a counter-attacking 20, but the Strikers were bundled out for 83 – their lowest total of the season and second-lowest in BBL history. Swepson finished with 3 for 22, while captain Marcus Stoinis chipped in with 2 for 8.

Chasing 84, the Stars made a nervy start, losing Sam Harper and Campbell Kellaway to be 13 for 2. Thomas Rogers then played the anchor role, combining with Blake Macdonald for a steady partnership before Macdonald fell for 11. Rogers added 34 crucial runs with Stoinis, who looked in ominous touch before retiring hurt on 23 after being struck on the thumb – a concern for Australia ahead of the T20 World Cup.

Rogers guided the chase with 32 off 40 balls before falling with just seven runs needed. Tom Curran, riding the wave of confidence from his bowling, fittingly finished the job with two boundaries in a four-ball cameo to seal the Stars' sixth win from nine matches and confirm their finals place.

Brief scores: Adelaide Strikers 83 in 19.3 overs (Tom Curran 4-10, Mitchell Swepson 3-22) lost to Melbourne Stars 86/4 in 15.1 overs (Thomas Rogers 32; Liam Scott 2-12) by six wickets