Left Arm Around

James Vince scored a classy 79 as Sydney Sixers comfortably defeated Melbourne Stars by seven wickets at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The returning Scott Boland castled Josh Philippe in the fourth over, however Vince and Daniel Hughes combined in a partnership of 99 from 67 balls to break the back of the chase.

Vince’s knock contained 12 fours as she showcased a brilliant array of shots all around the ground.

He was finally dismissed by Boland with 21 still required for victory, but Moises Henriques and Jordan Silk saw them over the line to reach the target of 157 with 11 balls to spare.

Earlier on, Melbourne Stars began well in building a total before Tom Rogers was removed for 19 and Beau Webster was beautifully bowled for a duck by Todd Murphy.

Captain Glenn Maxwell threatened to explode with 31 off 14, hitting two glorious sixes, though he soon departed after a brilliant running catch on the boundary by Sean Abbott.

Marcus Stoinis and Hilton Cartwright remained unbeaten on 34 and 29 respectively, but the hosts were made to pay for a stuttering batting performance.

Australia off-spinner Todd Murphy was the pick of the visitors’ bowlers, capturing 2-15 in four economical overs.

Victory for the Sixers springboards them to second in the table, meanwhile the Stars sit fourth with four wins and four losses in eight fixtures.

Sydney Sixers return to action on Friday when they face the Thunder at the SCG.

The Stars have a derby assignment of their own when they play the Renegades at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.