Rishad Hossain picked up his first wickets in the Big Bash League in his second appearance, but Hobart Hurricanes suffered an eight wicket defeat against Melbourne Stars at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
After a tidy, wicketless debut, Hobart once again showed faith in the 23 year old leg spinner. This time, Rishad delivered key breakthroughs, even though the match slipped away from his side.
Chasing 159, Melbourne Stars finished the job comfortably in 16 overs. Marcus Stoinis led from the front with a dominant unbeaten 62 off 31 balls, striking seven fours and two sixes. He was well supported by Campbell Kellaway, who stayed not out on 41 from 27 balls. The pair ensured there was no late drama as the Stars reached 159 for two with 24 balls to spare.
Earlier, Hobart Hurricanes struggled to build momentum with the bat. They finished on 158 for nine, losing wickets at regular intervals. Ben McDermott top scored, while Matthew Wade and Tim David added useful runs, but none of the partnerships lasted long enough to post a bigger total.
Rishad was brought into the attack after the Powerplay and was targeted early. However, Hobart captain Nathan Ellis continued to back him. That trust paid off in his later spell.
Rishad struck twice during the chase, but unfortunately, those were the only two strikes but Hobart Hurricanes. He first dismissed Thomas Rogers, who was caught by Nikhil Chaudhary. Soon after, Joe Clarke fell to a catch by Riley Meredith, giving Rishad his first two Big Bash wickets. Both breakthroughs briefly lifted Hobart, but the Stars’ strong middle order quickly took control again.
Rishad completed his spell with figures that reflected the tough conditions for bowlers on a flat pitch. Despite conceding runs, his two wickets stood out in a game dominated by batters.
The Stars never let the pressure return. Stoinis and Kellaway stayed calm and clinical to seal a convincing win.
For Rishad, the result was disappointing, but the match was an important step forward. After a disciplined debut without wickets, he now has his first Big Bash scalps, and some lessons from the game.
