Big Bash League 2018-19: Glenn Maxwell magic puts Melbourne Stars into BBL semifinals- Watch

Glenn Maxwell played a stunning knock as Melbourne Stars beat Sydney Sixers by 94 runs to enter the Big Bash League (BBL) 2018-19 semifinals. Maxwell scored 82 runs off 43 balls as they two sides met in a do-or-die regular season finale for the Stars at the MCG. 

Glenn Maxwell batted with calm early as Stars reached 4-101 at the 16-over mark before he turned the match on its head. 

He scored his final 65 runs off just 23 balls, including three sixes in the final over from Ben Dwarshuis. He perished off the final ball of the innings when he was caught at mid off.

Runs, wickets, catches... EVERYTHING! @Gmaxi_32 dominated against the Sixers and is the #BBL08 @dream11 Fantasy MVP.

Surely you'll be picking him in your Semi Final teams? Great prizes available - https://t.co/yGupSeiMWc pic.twitter.com/pUWwrT6NOP

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) February 10, 2019

Set a target of 169, Sydney Sixers could manage just 74 as Nepal legspinner Sandeep Lamicchane took 3/11.

Two overs left to cause as much havoc as possible. Glenn Maxwell is starting to heat up at the MCG! @weet_bix | #BBL08 pic.twitter.com/JlvDfrD0i3

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) February 10, 2019

FIFTY for Glenn Maxwell! And a crowd catch for old mate in the MCG grandstand #BBL08 | @weet_bix pic.twitter.com/FQaOEEh0Ds

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 10, 2019

BANG, BANG!

Glenn Maxwell is smashing them everywhere! #BBL08 pic.twitter.com/m87baLSIz1

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) February 10, 2019

Brilliance from Zampa. Lightning behind the stumps from Handscomb.

The Stars can do no wrong right now! #BBL08 pic.twitter.com/y2fjGwkRId

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) February 10, 2019

Can bowl 
Can appeal 

We @IamSandeep25 #BBL08 pic.twitter.com/Sttn11OHE4

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) February 10, 2019

OMG Glenn Maxwell! Is there anything he can't do today? #BBL08 pic.twitter.com/KCzqFqeki0

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 10, 2019

The win lifted the Stars above Brisbane Heat to a fourth-placed finish and a semifinal against Hobart Hurricanes.

Sixers also made it to the final four. However, the big margin of loss meant that they were denied the chance to play their second semifinal match at home. Melbourne Renegades moved above the Sixers to second on the ladder, meaning they will host the second semifinal now. The Sixers had needed to score at least 107 to keep their net run rate above that of the Renegades but weren't up to the task.