By Nadene Smith
SYDNEY, Australia (TheSportsNEXT) December 12, 2012: Despite of inclement weather conditions halting the KFC Big Bash League action at Western Australian Cricket Association Ground in Perth on Wednesday the Melbourne Stars punished the Perth Scorchers by 10 wickets on Duckworth/Lewis Method.
Man of the Match, Lasith Malinga, produced a spell of his lifetime - the second best in the history of Twenty20 cricket - to dismantle the Perth Scorchers who were put into bat after Melbourne Stars skipper Shane Warne won the toss and decided to bat first.
Perth Scorchers were bowled out for mere 69 runs from 15.2 overs with only two of their batsmen scoring in double figures.
The damage was done by pacers who used the short ball to great effect at WACA Ground which is renowned for its assistance to the pacers.
Lasith Malinga was seriously exceptional as he took six wickets for just seven runs from his four overs of which one was maiden over. James Faulkner was also incredible with the new ball as he finished with figures of two for 16 from his four. Clint McKay was the only Stars bowler who was belted for runs as he leaked away 28 runs from his three overs. Skipper Shane Warne also delivered three overs and got one wicket for nine runs but without bowling his mystery Disco Ball.
In reply, Melbourne Stars opening batsmen looked in a hurry as Rob Quiney (1 not out from 1) and Luke Wright (23 not out from 11 – 4 fours, 1 six) took the Perth Scorchers bowlers by the horns and made full use of a drop catch by skipper Simon Katich.
The Melbourne Stars raced to 29 for no loss from just two overs before rain played the spoilsport and halted the game.
However, the Melbourne Stars got full purchase out of their super performance as the match officials reduced the game to five overs a side and when the teams returned to the ground the target for Melbourne Stars was only six runs which they had already passed and all they needed was a ball to be delivered and the game was called an official affair.
This was a strong performance by the Melbourne Stars after they were belted hard in their opening game of the Big Bash League 2012.
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