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'Absolutely brutal': Aussie cricket stunned by 'crazy' scenes in BBL

Sam Goodwin
·Sports Editor
·4-min read
Josh Philippe and Glenn Maxwell, pictured here in action in the BBL.
Josh Philippe upstaged Glenn Maxwell in a batting masterclass in the BBL. Image: Getty

Cricket fans were left in awe on Wednesday night after Glenn Maxwell and Josh Philippe put on a batting masterclass in the Sydney Sixers' win over Melbourne Stars in the BBL.

Sixers opener Philippe upstaged Maxwell's maiden Big Bash League century, leading Sydney to a seven-wicket win over the Stars.

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Fans were raving about Maxwell's incredible century, his 103 from 57 balls leading the Stars to 5-177.

However he was completely outdone by Philippe, who just missed out on his first T20 century and also the first ton for the Sixers.

The youngster hit a six to finish off the match and made an unbeaten 99 to become the BBL's leading run-scorer this season.

It marked just the third time in BBL history that a player has hit a century and lost the match.

Philippe survived a scare in the 14th over when he mistimed a hook shot, with the short ball from Brody Couch hitting him in the neck.

After a few minutes with team medical staff in the middle, Philippe hit the next delivery for four.

"I'm feeling fine - it was more of a shock than anything," he told Fox Cricket after the game

"I don't think I've ever been hit there, but it felt like it hit me pretty flush at the time - but all good."

Jordan Silk and Josh Philippe, pictured here celebrating after securing victory for the Sydney Sixers.
Jordan Silk and Josh Philippe celebrate after securing victory for the Sydney Sixers. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

Cricket world erupts over 'crazy' scenes in BBL thriller

Maxwell also nearly dismissed Philippe with the first ball of the innings, but the thick outside edge went over Qais Ahmad at backward point.

From there, Philippe was outstanding in his 61-ball knock that featured 11 fours and two sixes.

Sydney captain Moises Henriques (29) and Jordan Silk (25no) gave Philippe invaluable support.

The Sixers are top with a 3-1 record as they chase a third-straight title and fourth overall, while the Stars are 2-2.

Maxwell came to the crease with his team in crisis at 2-6 in the wake of their season-opening embarrassment against the Sydney Sixers, when they lost by a BBL-record 152 runs at the SCG.

When he was dismissed in the second-last over on Wednesday night at the MCG, the Stars captain had plundered three sixes and 12 fours.

"Incredible innings. High class from an unbelievable player," Brad Haddin said in commentary.

"The Stars were in all sorts of trouble. You won't see a better T20 hundred than that."

Sixers spinner Steve O'Keefe limped off late in the innings after snaring 1-24 from his four overs.

The Sixers paid for a missed chance in the fifth over, with Lloyd Pope dropping Maxwell in the deep.

Maxwell had belted a four and a six off Ben Dwarshuis - his 100th six in the BBL - and was on 15 when Pope grassed him, diving forward.

Nick Larkin and Hilton Cartwright scored 23 apiece in vital half-century stands with Maxwell as their captain tore the Sixers attack apart.

Chris Jordan also took 1-24 from four overs for Sydney, while Stars leg-spinner Adam Zampa returned 1-28 from his four overs.

with AAP

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