All-round Hopes takes Heat to victory

Brisbane Heat clinched a 24-run win over Melbourne Stars at the Gabba following a collective effort from their batsmen who helped them post 171. Captain James Hopes, who opened the batting, led the way with 49, though he was one of two wickets to fall in quick succession with the team score on 96. But Daniel Christian and Chris Lynn didn't let the momentum drop, and dealt some significant blows towards the death. The last three balls of the innings fetched 14 runs, after the pair had added a quick 43.

Hopes' was an impressive all-round display as he also picked up three wickets to restrict the Stars to 147. The Stars' top five each got starts and a second-wicket stand of 48 between Luke Wright and Brad Hodge gave their team hope. But Hopes broke that partnership and picked up two more, and Thisara Perera chipped in with three wickets of his own, including that of John Hastings who had begun to look threatening with a 11-ball 22. Heat are currently fifth in the table and the Stars second.