Sam Harper has etched his name into Big Bash League folklore, delivering a breathtaking, match-winning maiden century to steer the Melbourne Stars to a commanding seven-wicket victory over the Sydney Sixers at the SCG.
A Historic, One-Man Show
In a performance that will be remembered for years, Harper single-handedly dominated the chase of 145. He finished unbeaten on 110 runs from just 60 balls, a knock that included six sixes. The sheer scale of his contribution was staggering, as he accounted for more than 75 per cent of the Stars' total runs – the largest proportion ever scored by a single batter in a BBL innings.
The rest of the batting lineup paled in comparison, with the next highest scores being a mere 14 each from Campbell Kellaway and Jonathan Merlo. "Usually it's probably Maxi (Glenn Maxwell) or Stoin (Marcus Stoinis) that gets 75 per cent," Harper joked after the match. "So it's nice to contribute."
Brutal Batting and a Near-Miss Hat-Trick
Harper's assault was particularly brutal against former Australian quick Kane Richardson, from whom he plundered 41 runs from just two overs. He repeatedly targeted the shorter boundary, launching Richardson into the Bill O'Reilly Stand on multiple occasions. He brought up his hundred in unconventional but fitting style, top-edging Jack Edwards over a short third man for a boundary.
Earlier in the evening, veteran Stars paceman Peter Siddle, aged 41, came agonisingly close to a hat-trick. After taking wickets from the final ball of the 16th over and the first ball of the 19th, a dropped catch at point denied him the historic feat. Siddle finished with excellent figures of 3-23 from his four overs.
Season Implications and Personal Redemption
This victory marks a historic start for the Melbourne Stars, who have won their opening three matches for the first time since the 2013-14 season. In stark contrast, the Sydney Sixers are now struggling with just one win from four outings.
For Harper, the innings represents a stunning personal resurgence. After going two full BBL seasons without a half-century, he has begun this campaign with scores of 55 and now this monumental, unbeaten 110. Reflecting on the game's ups and downs, Harper noted, "Anyone who has played cricket for any length of time knows it's the best resilience builder. You have nights like tonight and nights where you get a duck, so you've got to enjoy it when it goes your way."
The match also saw former Sixer Tom Curran make an impact against his old club, taking 3-26 as the Sixers were bowled out for 144 on the final ball of their innings.
