STOINIS SIZZLES AGAIN FOR THE STARS

THE summer of Stoinis has continued at the Gabba where the Aussie all-rounder clubbed the Melbourne Stars to a respectable total last night.

Opening the innings against the Brisbane Heat, Marcus Stoinis played a lone hand and it was a knock of class and brutality in a contribution of 81 off 51 balls as the Stars ended their 20 overs at 8-156.

Heat captain Chris Lynn rotated his bowlers frequently but Stoinis was never hurried at any stage and barely gave the home side a chance.

In the end, it was Stoinis who brought about his own downfall when he was run out trying to push the run rate in the 18th over.

There were mighty blows and moments of touch from Stoinis whose half-century followed recent scores of 49, 43, 53 and 70. Had the Aussie limited-overs star had more assistance at the other end, the Stars could have posted a more intimidating total.

If Brisbane was to win, it would then need to see the Sydney Thunder lose to the Hobart Hurricanes tonight, and then have the Stars lose to the Sydney Sixers tomorrow.

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