Maxwell heroics lift Stars into semi

GLENN Maxwell has delivered a stunning batting performance to propel the Melbourne Stars into the BBL finals and deny the Sydney Sixers a home semi-final.

Maxwell’s stunning knock of 82 off 43 balls in yesterday’s do-or-die regular-season finale at the MCG paved the way for a dominant 94-run win. Set a target of 169, the hapless Sixers were skittled for just 74 as Nepalese leg-spinner Sandeep Lamicchane snared 3-11.

The win lifts the Stars above the Brisbane Heat to a fourthplaced finish and a semi-final against minor premiers the Hobart Hurricanes.

It also takes the Melbourne Renegades above the Sixers to second on the ladder, meaning they will host the second semi against them.

The Sixers had needed to score at least 107 to keep their net run rate above that of the Renegades but weren’t up to the task. Maxwell was contained early but, remarkably, scored his final 65 runs off just 23 balls, including three sixes in the final over.

His spectacular knock came to an end off the final ball of the innings when he was caught at mid off. Incredibly, the Stars were 4-101 at the 16-over mark before Maxwell turned the match on its head.