The Parade College Writing Workshop – Hadi Ehtsham: The BBL Melbourne Derby

 

By Hadi Ehtsham

 

The most anticipated match in the BBL was here. The Stars were having a great season with main batsman Glenn Maxwell carrying the team. At the start of the match, the Renegades were aggressive – many sixes were hit, as well as plenty of fours. The Stars struggled to take wickets for the innings. I remember watching a Renegade hit a massive shot as the Stars’ fielder got into position to take the catch. The whole stadium was silent for the split second the ball was in the air. Eventually, the ball landed safely in his hands. My dad and I were cheering for the Stars while my brother looked sour. The wicket was not holding back the Renegades – more wickets were taken but the score kept on building up. It didn’t look too good for the Melbourne Stars at the end of the innings. The score was 168/7 – everyone knew that they were in for a thriller. The Melbourne Stars had superstars in Marcus Stoinis and Glen Maxwell, batsmen who have no fear to hit big shots.

 

After we had got something to eat and watched the half time show, we were looking forward to getting ready to watch the second innings. The opening batsman of note was Marcus Stoinis – another superstar batsman. The first two balls bared no runs. The third ball Stoinis hits it in the air and straight to a fielder, who catches it. Devastated, Stoinis walks back to the dressing rooms.

 

Next was Glenn Maxwell – Dad and I were excited. We knew Glenn Maxwell was going to help the team out. He scored a massive amount of runs. I remember when he hit one shot and it went up in the air but was dropped by Samit Patel. My brother was devastated that this had happened. Maxwell then hit more sixes, and soon it was clear that the Melbourne Stars had won this game.

 

The Melbourne Renegades were struggling to take wickets. The Renegades had managed to get three wickets up to this stage from Samit Patel, Richard Gleeson and Cameron Boyce. Maxwell made a half century. The two batsmen that were dangerous for each side were Dan Christian and Glenn Maxwell.

 

At the end of the 17^th over the score was 3/137. The first ball of the 18^th over Maxwell hit a massive six. This is when it came apparent to us that Glenn Maxwell was going to win the match for the Melbourne Stars. The next ball resulted in another SIX.  150 runs for the team had been made. Three runs later Glenn Maxwell and Nick Larkin had reached their 100 run partnership.

 

We were getting into the final overs of the match. I remember my brother wanting to leave early – even he knew that was it for the Renegades. Glenn Maxwell hit another six to bring the scores closer.

 

But Maxwell took a risky run, and the Renegades’ fielder throws well to hit the stumps. Maxwell’s bat was very close to the crease, making it too close to call, so there would be a review. The result is not out. The crowd cheers! 163 runs and 8 balls left. The final ball of the over Glenn Maxwell smashes the ball into the grandstands for SIX!! The Melbourne Stars have won. The crowd roared, Maxwell takes a bow and walks back to the stands. Maxwell is named man of the match. I remember walking out of the stadium after that unforgettable experience.

 

 

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