Starc helps Sixers win rain-hit Sydney derby

16 overs Sydney Sixers 7 for 117 (Rohrer 38) beat Sydney Thunder 4 for 29 (Starc 3-17) by 17 runs by D/L Method
Scorecard

A lethal spell of swing bowling from Mitchell Starc led the Sydney Sixers to a 17-run win in a rain-affected game over cross-town rivals Sydney Thunder at Stadium Australia.

Starc, who has been added to the Australian Test squad for Perth next week against India, showed why he's rated so highly, by destroying the Thunder's top order, narrowly missing out on a hat-trick on his way to 3 for 17.

Brett Lee bowled brilliantly in tandem with Starc, the veteran quick claiming the vital wicket of Chris Gayle for a duck.

With five overs required to constitute a match, the early stages of the Thunder's chase was always going to be vital and the par score was well above the 4 for 29 they finished on when the match was called off.

Earlier, Fidel Edwards used the moist conditions to his advantage, swinging and seaming his way through a dangerous four-over spell to start the match. The Sixers middle order then collapsed, losing 4 for 6 in the space of just two overs, including a rare diamond duck to Dominic Thornely.

Ben Rohrer led a lower order fightback, smashing four boundaries and a six before the allrounder Sean Abbott claimed him for 38 (off 24 balls). Edwards was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 1 for 21 off his four overs while fellow West Indian Gayle was miserly, conceding just 18 runs off his three overs.

The Sixers move into the top four with a key away clash against the Adelaide Strikers on Tuesday to determine their finals' fate. The Thunders host Perth Scorchers on Wednesday in a must-win game if they are to make the finals.