Fine performances from Yasir Arafat and Michael Klinger proved in vain for Perth Scorchers as Peter Handscomb’s unbeaten century led Melbourne Stars to a dramatic three-wicket victory that secured their place in the Big Bash League semi-finals.
Gloucestershire batsman Klinger struck 71 off 48 balls to help the Scorchers post 179 for two after Adam Voges, also Middlesex skipper, opted to bat first at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Hampshire seamer Arafat then removed Luke Wright of Sussex and Kevin Pietersen in successive deliveries during his first over before returning to complete figures of 4-27.
But Handscomb rode to the rescue with 103 off 64 balls, completing a fifth consecutive win with a fifth maximum.
Shaun Marsh, who could line up against England in the Tri-Series clash on Friday,and Klinger added 127 in 14 overs for the opening wicket.
Klinger was run out from the final ball of the innings, having also shared in a 52-run stand with Voges, who hit a seagull on his way to an unbeaten 27.
The Stars were struggling on eight for two following Arafat’s double-strike and then slipped to 88 for four in the 13th when Klinger produced a fine catch in the outfield to dismiss former Essex batsman Rob Quiney.
Tom Triffitt hit Arafat to Voges at mid-off before Durham all-rounder John Hastings and Leicestershire overseas player Clint McKay gave support to Handscomb with 66 needed from five overs.
Hastings struck three sixes in as many deliveries off Ashton Agar en route to 20 off six while McKay made a seven-ball 12, the latter becoming Arafat’s fourth victim.
With 12 needed from the final over, Handscomb finished the job with two sixes from the first three balls.
What is it with seagulls & #T20 cricket? #BBL04https://t.co/nVUYVi0JgW
— NatWest T20 Blast (@NatWestT20Blast) January 21, 2015