Melbourne Stars into the final winning by 28 runs! The Stars will head to Sydney to face the Sixers and try for redemption if the rain holds off. The game was set up by Marcus Stoinis and Nick Larkin. Both men batted superbly for 83 and shared a 117-run stand. They had some luck but capitalised. The Thunder were sloppy in the field. The Stars were outstanding in the field by comparison. Nathan Coulter-Nile ran out Alex Hales and then knocked over Usman Khawaja. Then it was all Haris Rauf. He took 3 for 17 to ice the game.

Nick Larkin is Player of the Match for his 83 not out from 49. Larkin on Seven: "I had a bit of luck. Kept picking out the fielders early but Stoin kept me in the game and he was outstanding."

JUZER BATLIWALA: "What is the result if the final is rained off. Is the trophy shared ? Or do Stars win because of higher points during the league phase ? Or do Sixers win because they defeated Stars in the qualifier ??" The Sixers will win if it is rained off.

Roy: "Really good to see NCN back in the game. Could be key to have three excellent fit bowlers in the finals to match the Sixers' attack."

James: "You have to say that 3/17 off 4 is a stunning return for Haris Rauf."

Great performance by the Melbourne Stars. Thanks for your company from the MCG. Join us on Saturday night for the BBL final at the SCG between the Sydney Sixers and the Stars. Hopefully the weather holds off.