Billed as the battle of the super heavyweights of this season's Big Bash, last night's encounter at the MCG was all about one man - Marcus Stoinis.
Stoinis has blasted 147 not out as the Melbourne Stars defeated the Sydney Sixers by 44 runs on Sunday night.
His impressive run total came off just 79 balls as the Stars posted a daunting 1-219 off their 20 overs.
The 30-year-old and teammate Hilton Cartwright put on a BBL record opening stand of 207, surpassing the 172 set by Luke Wright and Robert Quiney set in the maiden season.
Stoinis’ first T20 century came in game 50 for the Stars and was littered with both power and wisdom as he continually targeted the shorter straight boundaries when he could.
Eventually the power of the big all-rounder shone through as he took several full deliveries all the way to deep square leg for six.
After missing out on Australia’s ODI tour of India post a poor World Cup campaign, Stoinis has been a man on a mission this season at the top of the order.
Stoinis hit eight sixes on his way past Darcy Short’s previous record of 122.
Speaking after the innings the centurion said: “What a place to play cricket, I love the Melbourne Stars, I love playing at the MCG, I love this time of year.”
