An excellent bowling display followed by 67 not out from Kevin Pietersen led Melbourne Stars to a comfortable eight-wicket victory over Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League.
The 34-year-old became the tournament’s leading run-scorer by blasting 10 fours and a maximum in a 42-ball innings as the Stars chased down 107 with 33 balls unused.
The Thunder, whose semi-final hopes ended with the defeat, were restricted to just 106 for eight in 20 overs.
Hampshire paceman Jackson Bird, Durham all-rounder John Hastings and Leicestershire seamer Clint McKay collected two scalps apiece.
The Thunder never recovered from slipping to nine for three inside the fourth over, Aiden Blizzard top-scoring with a patient 45.
New Leicestershire coach Andrew McDonald added 23 while Surrey power-hitter Jason Roy was bowled by Michael Beer first ball.
The Stars lost Sussex’s Luke Wright early on before Cameron White and Pietersen shared in a second wicket stand of 76.
Skipper White, formerly of Somerset and Northamptonshire, was the victim of a stunning catch on the boundary from Josh Lalor on 23.
But Pietersen, alongside Peter Handscomb, continued his assault to help the Stars move up to third in the table.