Stars shine in year-end run-fest

Led by brisk half-centuries from Daniel Lawrence, Beau Webster and Marcus Stoinis, Melbourne Stars cruised to a seven-wicket win in a high-scoring encounter against Adelaide Strikers at the Adelaide Oval. Chasing 206 for their third win of the season, Stars overhauled the target with one over to spare.

Put in to bat, D'Arcy Short provided a brisk start with a 20-ball 25. However, it was Matthew Short and Chris Lynn's half-centuries that led the way for Strikers' innings. The duo stitched a 93-run stand in only 6.5 overs before the former fell to Glenn Maxwell on 56. Lynn, however, continued the assault with an unbeaten 42-ball 83, which included 10 boundaries and 4 sixes to help the side to 205/4.

In response, Wes Agar struck early, dismissing Thomas Rogers in the third over of the run chase. However, Lawrence's counter assault - 26-ball 50 - ensured Stars kept pace with the chase. Maxwell and Webster added a 54-run stand in the 5.5 overs through the middle before Stoinis came and blazed away to a 19-ball 55. He hammered six 4s and four 6s to power his side to a comfortable win.

Brief Scores: Adelaide Strikers 205/4 in 20 overs (Chris Lynn 83*, Matthew Short 56) lost to Melbourne Stars 211/3 in 19 overs (Beau Webster 66*, Marcus Stonis 55*) by 7 wickets