BBL 5 Match 24 Review: Stars make it 2-0 in the derby

Melbourne Stars gunned down 156 runs to register a comprehensive against Melbourne Renegades in Saturday night’s KFC Big Bash League encounter at the Docklands Stadium. Stars had also won last Saturday night’s historic local derby played in front of a record BBL crowd of 80,883 at the MCG hence made it 2-0 against their city rivals.

Chris Gayle made 21 runs from 21 deliveries in his first innings since his controversial sideline interview on Monday night, leaving fellow West Indian Dwayne Bravo to anchor the innings of 6-155 with an unbeaten 59 from 37 deliveries. Cameron White captained Renegades following the departure of Aaron Finch for international duties with the Australian ODI team and he was dismissed immediately after Gayle was caught in the deep off Marcus Stoinis. He made 29 runs off 30 balls before he guided a Stoinis delivery to wicketkeeper Peter Handscomb, who gloved a brilliant catch.

Renegades were in trouble at 5-78 after an eventful Adam Zampa over where Test keeper Phil Nevill, in his first game of BBL05, was run out in bizarre circumstances. Standing at the non-striker’s end, a powerfully-struck straight drive from Bravo ricocheted off Nevill’s bat, into a diving Zampa’s nose and onto the stumps. The spinner required medical attention for the blow but stayed on the field to complete his over and then dismissed debutant Aaron Ayre LBW for a golden duck. Man of the match Stoinis was the pick of the bowlers with 3-11 from two overs.

In reply, Bravo struck early and cleaned up Stoinis who made 13 off 9. Luke Wright, though, continued his superb form and struck 7 fours in a fluent 37 off 26 before being dismissed by Cameron Stevenson. At 62/2 from 7.3 overs the men in red would have hoped to get back in the game, however, another Englishman had different ideas.

Kevin Pietersen is a delight to watch when in full flow and tonight he showcased all the attributes that make him a magnetic crowd-puller. Unleashing his full repertoire of strokes, KP spanked 5 fours and 3 sixes to finish unbeaten on 67 off 43 balls. Wicket-keeper batsman Peter Handscomb gave the star batsman great support and scored 39 not out off 30 balls with the help of 3 fours and 1 six. The Stars overhauled the target with 2 overs to spare and consolidated their number 3 position in the BBL table while the Renegades continue to languish at number 6.

Brief Scores:

Melbourne Renegades:  155/6 in 20 overs (D Bravo 59*; M Stoinis 3/11)

Melbourne Stars:  156/2 in 18 overs (K Pietersen 67; C Stevenson 1/27)

Man of the match: Marcus Stoinis (Melbourne Stars)