Vintage KP seals Stars’ first victory

KEVIN Pietersen has delivered a vintage performance with the bat and in the field to lead Melbourne Stars to a 23-run win over Melbourne Renegades and their first victory of the Big Bash season.

Pietersen smashed five sixes on his way to 74 off 46 balls, combining with Peter Handscomb (41) for a 110-run partnership as the Stars posted 4-167 at Etihad Stadium.

He then wound back the clock with a brilliant diving catch at short extra cover to dismiss Tom Cooper as the Stars held their cross-town rivals to 9-144 from their 20 overs.

Also proving a gun in the field was Glenn Maxwell, with the ousted Australian representative taking four catches after an important 31 not out from 16 balls with the bat.

The 37-year-old Pietersen is set to retire later this year and has confirmed this will be his final BBL campaign. HOBART Hurricanes captain George Bailey’s week is not getting any better.

Just two days after Brisbane Heat skipper Brendon McCullum accused Bailey of failing to act in the spirit of cricket during Hobart’s thrilling three-run win at the Gabba on Wednesday night, he has been fined and given a first strike for a slow over rate from the same game.

Bailey, along with his teammates, have been fined $1000 (reduced to $500 without an appeal) for a slow over rate, but the skipper has also earned a first strike.

A second strike for slow over rates will see Bailey suspended for a game. The Hurricanes were found to be 5.25 minutes behind the scheduled time to complete their 20 overs, after allowances, equating to one over short.