Stoinis returns to form with 35-ball 74 as Stars secure thrilling win

Marcus Stoinis bludgeoned his way back to top form before Luke Wood held his nerve with the ball to steer Melbourne Stars to an eight-run BBL victory over Adelaide Strikers.

Stoinis crunched 74 off 35 deliveries, including six sixes, to steer the Stars to 186 for 7 in Saturday's marquee Adelaide Oval fixture in front of 40,373 fans.

Adam Hose struck his maiden BBL half-century while Rashid Khan (24 not out) produced a thrilling late cameo. With 33 required from the last two overs, Rashid helicoptered Stoinis for six, then squirted a four past third man to leave 17 needed off the 20th over.

Stars' slow over rate meant they had to have an extra fielder inside the circle for the final six balls but Wood was up to the challenge.

Earlier, Stoinis walked out to the middle hopelessly out of form with just 14 runs at an average of 3.5 for the tournament before recapturing his best form in brutal fashion. Openers Joe Clarke and Tom Rogers set the platform which allowed Stoinis to tee off.

Stoinis smashed 24 off one Peter Siddle over before going off for 6, 6, 6, 4 and 6 off successive balls from Golden Arm leader Henry Thornton, who conceded 29 in the 18th over.

Strikers' reply started poorly when New Zealand superstar Trent Boult sent the dangerous Matt Short packing in the first over.

Chris Lynn threatened to replicate Stoinis' fireworks but his stay was brief, holing out to deep square leg for 21 from Stars captain Adam Zampa's second delivery.

With the asking rate escalating, Hose and Henry Hunt raised the tempo with a 74-run third-wicket partnership.

The game looked in Stars' keeping when Liam Hatcher dismissed Colin de Grandhomme and Thomas Kelly off successive deliveries before Rashid created a few late murmurs.

The only negative for the visitors came when Rogers left the field after injuring his left shoulder while sliding to save a boundary.