WATCH, BBL | Stoinis spreadeagles in serene celebration after pulling off Kapil Devesque blinder

Melbourne Stars secured their passage into the Big Bash League 2025 playoffs on the last day of the group phase as the side posted a daunting total of 219/5 on the back of Glenn Maxwell's blistering 32-ball 76 before bowling out the table toppers Hobart Hurricanes for 179 for a 40-run triumph. The Stars did not have it easy as they were immedately put under the pump in the chase when two Mitchell Owen maximums beget 17 runs off the first over but something special from Marcus Stoinis provided the hosts their opening breakthrough and paved the path for a top-order collapse.

Mark Steketee, who ended up with 4/24, had new ball duties once again and was up against Caleb Jewell on the third ball of his opening over. The right-arm quick dropped the ball on a length with a hint of away swing from the southpaw and Jewell sensed the opportunity to open up his hands and go big with mid-on up. However, the big hitter failed to connect cleanly with the ball and the Kookaburra went soaring into the Melbourne night sky but the white rock seemed to have enough distance on it to land slowly even as Stoinis sprinted back from inside the circle with his head constantly peering over his shoulders to track the trajectory. Just as the white rock was swooping down, Stoinis put in a sparing dive forward at full stretch and much to his disbelief, it stuck in his mitts and stayed there despite the big all-rounder hitting the deck with a massive impact. 

Unsurprisingly, the Aussie was joyed at his effort and simply spread his arms and legs with his back to the turf in celebration while his teammates came running to embrace him. The catch quickly drew comparisons with Kapil Dev's masterclass in 1983, when he had pulled off a similar stunner to get rid of Vivian Richards and ensure India a safe passage to the World Cup trophy.