Stoinis sets off the fireworks on New Year's Eve as Stars mow down 206
His unbeaten 55 off 19 balls turns a challenging chase into a cruise
His unbeaten 55 off 19 balls turns a challenging chase into a cruise
Scorer: Sudeep Poojar | Commentator: @himanshu_a30
That is it from us on new year's eve. Stars grab two crucial points to remain fourth on the BBL points table. Thanks for joining us this evening, as this is Himanshu bidding you goodbye - and wishing you a happy new year - on behalf of Sudeep. Take care!
Marcus Stoinis is the Player of the Match
Rob: "Umpiring is a non-issue when you keep bowling full tosses"
9.50pm Two impactful half-centuries define the run chase: first Lawrence cracked 50 off 26 balls, before Stoinis bashed and starred his way to 55* from just 19 deliveries. He adds 74 in only 31 balls in a match-winning stand with Beau Webster, whose 66* might be forgotten already. But you feel for Strikers' legspinner Boyce, who tightened the screws each time they seemed lose, bowling his four overs for only 15. Stars hunt down 206 with an over to spare, with the run-out of Lawrence potentially a point of debate.
Only 1 more to win. I'm not sure what the chat between the captain and the bowler is about!
Frog Frog: "Terrible umpiring in this game. Wasn't a run out, wasn't a no ball - these decisions aren't hard ones"
A conference between three Strikers players now
Barry: "Strikers definitely missing Rashid. Bowling has struggled without him."
Bazley back. Stars need 19 off 12.
His unbeaten 55 off 19 balls turns a challenging chase into a cruise