Kevin Pietersen has guided Melbourne Stars to an eight-wicket triumph over Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League.
The 34-year-old, who remains out of favour with England, struck 67 runs off 42 deliveries to help his team to victory with 34 balls to spare.
After losing three wickets in the opening 19 balls, it was always going to be an uphill struggle for Thunder, who sit second bottom in the eight-team league.
Aiden Blizzard (45) and Andrew McDonald (23) put on 59 for the fourth wicket, but after their dismissals, their side slumped to 106-8 off their 20 overs.
Melbourne's reply began with Luke Wright departing for four to bring Pietersen to the crease who, along with Cameron White, put together a 76-run partnership over eight overs to seize full control of the game.
White departed for 23 but Pietersen was in full flow as he eased past fifty thanks to eight fours and a maximum to leave the Stars needing just three runs per over during the second half of the innings.
The remainder of the run chase was a formality as Peter Handscomb struck the winning runs to take the Stars level on points with the Sydney Sixers in third place.
Darren Plant
