Sydney Sixers keep their cool to beat Melbourne Stars

James Vince hits an unbeaten 91 to guide the three-time winners to the top of the BBL table, but it wasn't a contest without a dose of controversy

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Melbourne: Melbourne Stars 173-5, Sydney Sixers 176-4 - Sydney Sixers won by six wickets

Scorecard

Sydney Sixers returned to winning ways with a nervy six-wicket victory over Melbourne Stars.

James Vince struck an unbeaten 91 as the three-time winners got over the line with a ball to spare.

Dan Christian whipped Luke Wood through square leg to secure victory as Stars threatened a dramatic victory.

It meant the contest was spared a dose of controversy, again involving Jordan Silk, after he was given out caught behind via the fourth delivery of the final over, despite the spike on 'snicko' appearing after the ball had passed the bat.

Stars had been helped to 173 for 5 batting first thanks to Marcus Stoinis' 52 and Thomas Rogers scoring 48.

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Marcus Stoinis's half-century gave Stars something to defend (Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)

Sean Abbott claimed 3 for 31 while there were wickets for Todd Murphy and Izharulhaq Naveed.

The Sixers' reply got off to a fine start and though they temporarily dipped below the asking rate it was only a temporary lapse as Vince took over.

Hampshire's T20 Blast-winning captain must continue to wait his maiden BBL century but recorded a score in the 90s for the third time to galvanise the Sixers.

His 59-ball innings included nine fours and two sixes to continue his fine run of form.

Moises Henriques' dismissal for 23 in the 16th over left Sixers needing 46 from 26 balls but after Silk found the boundary from his second delivery, Vince mashed Trent Boult into the stands off successive deliveries.

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The MCG was a fitting setting for another close finish (Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)

Silk lifted Wood over long-on to all-but confirm victory but wouldn't be around for the winning moment after being given out nicking behind.

The Penrith native cut hard at Wood's short ball - a borderline no-ball for height - appeared to miss and attempted to run through for a bye.

Wood threw down the stumps but when the umpires took the decision upstairs, DRS concluded Silk had flicked the original delivery through to Joe Clarke, though the footage appeared inconclusive.

The episode was largely academic as Christian hit the winning runs from the very next delivery to allow the Sixers to breathe a sigh of relief.


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