The summer of Stoinis has continued at the Gabba where the Australian allrounder clubbed the Melbourne Stars to within reach of their seventh Big Bash League finals series.
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Opening the innings against the Brisbane Heat, Marcus Stoinis played a lone hand and it was a knock of class and brutality in a contribution of 81 off 51 balls as the Stars ended their 20 overs at 8-156.
Heat captain Chris Lynn rotated his bowlers frequently but Stoinis was never hurried at any stage and barely gave the home side a chance.
In the end, it was Stoinis who brought about his own downfall when he was run out trying to push the run rate in the 18th over.
There were mighty blows and moments of touch from Stoinis whose half century followed recent scores of 49, 43, 53 and 70. Had the Australian limited overs star had more assistance at the other end, the Stars could have posted a more intimidating total.
But the Heat would fancy their chances. If Brisbane win, they then need to see the Sydney Thunder lose to the Hobart Hurricanes on Saturday night, and then have the Stars lose to the Sydney Sixers on Sunday night to snatch fourth spot.
Left-arm quick Josh Lalor finished with 3-43 and gave Brisbane at least a fighting chance when he removed two of the most dangerous weapons in his second over.
Peter Handscomb made only one but the real prize came just a few balls later when Glenn Maxwell misjudged the pace and bounce to pop a returned catch back to Lalor.
Australian Associated Press
