Josh Philippe steals the show for Sydney Sixers as Glenn Maxwell hits century in vain

Josh Philippe scored 99 not out off 61 balls as Sydney Sixers returned to winning ways against Melbourne Stars. Early in the game Glenn Maxwell scored his maiden BBL century, hitting 103 off 57 balls

Melbourne: Melbourne Stars 177-5, Sydney Sixers 182-3 – Sydney Sixers won by 7 wickets

Josh Philippe’s unbeaten 99 propelled Sydney Sixers to victory over Melbourne Stars.

Chasing 178, Philippe expertly anchored Sydney’s pursuit to win the match with two balls to spare, hitting the highest BBL score by a Sixer in the process. The opener’s display overshadowed Glenn Maxwell’s maiden BBL hundred, as he hit 103 off 57 balls.

Nevertheless, Philippe’s 61-ball effort sealed a win that - with the Bash Boost point also secured - sees the Sixers return to the top of the standings.

Electing to field, Sydney made early inroads as Ben Dwarshuis dismissed Marcus Stoinis for 3, before Joe Clarke was stumped by Philippe off Steve O’Keefe for a duck.

That brought Maxwell to the crease at 6 for 2 in the third over and he soon had his 100th BBL six, swatting Dwarshuis off his legs.

^{Josh Philippe finished unbeaten on 99; Glenn Maxwell scored his maiden BBL century [Darrian Traynor/Getty Images]}

Supported by Nick Larkin (23) and Hilton Cartwright (23), the Australian allrounder showcased his array of shots as the Stars scored 111 runs in the final ten overs.

Chris Jordan and O’Keefe both returned a frugal 1 for 24 from their four-over allocations while Dwarshuis received the worst treatment from Maxwell, finishing with 1 for 51.

In reply, Philippe and Moises Henriques (29) put on 54 in 6.1 overs before Adam Zampa broke the second-wicket partnership in the 10th, trapping Henriques lbw.

A fine caught and bowled by Brody Couch to dismiss Daniel Hughes (11) gave the hosts hope with 62 needed off 41.However, Philippe, supported by Jordan Silk (25 not out), powered Sydney home with a timely power surge in overs 18 and 19.

Philippe finished the match with a maximum and was agonizingly close to becoming his side’s first centurion.

The Stars attack was led by Couch (1 for 22 in three overs) and Zampa (1 for 28 in four overs). Leg-spinner Qais Ahmad, however, finished with a chastening 0 for 40 off 3.4.