Sixers pip the Stars in SCG nail-biter

Wednesday, 28 December 2011 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Silly run-outs and tight bowling at the death have helped the Sydney Sixers to a nervy two-run win over the Melbourne Stars on Tuesday night at the SCG.

Dwayne Bravo’s 52 from 39 was ably supported by some late hitting from Dominic Thornely (29 from 13) to set up a decent 8 for 166, before the hosts chipped away at regular intervals to hold off the Stars in the final over.

Brett Lee was tasked with the last over of the night with the Stars requiring 15 runs to win, and Chris Simpson got off to the perfect start with a stylish square drive for four.

Mitchell Starc then faced the heat and managed to loft Lee over square leg for another boundary, but the experienced paceman restricted the visitors to three consecutive singles to secure the win.

The result puts the Sixers in the top rung alongside the Hurricanes and the Thunder on four points, having played a game more.

David Hussey looked to have put the Stars in control with a pacey 42 from 30 balls, but sacrificed his wicket when going for a suicidal second run and was dismissed by a sharp direct-hit from Ben Rohrer.

Adam Voges looked to pick up where Hussey left off and while his 31 from 22 balls was equally valuable, he gave up his wicket in the exact same fashion, this time to Maddinson’s throw on the boundary.

Some stunning work on the boundary rope from Dwayne Bravo saved a certain six - the West Indian star leaping high to get a hand on Wright’s big drive before palming it back in play before falling over the rope.

Bravo’s piece of acrobatics was almost matched the very next ball as Michael Lumb raced in to snare Luke Wright with a jumping catch in the deep off Steven Smith’s bowling, who finished with crucial figures of 2 for 27 from four overs.