Kevin Pietersen helped the Melbourne Stars to victory in his final Big Bash League game, leading his side to a thrilling three-wicket win over the Hobart Hurricanes.
Former England star Pietersen's brilliant knock of 46 from only 23 deliveries saw the Stars to a shock win at the MCG on Saturday as the Hurricanes failed to make certain of a finals spot.
Big hitting from Dan Christian (56 off 37) and Nathan Reardon (32 off 22) had helped the Hurricanes to 185-7 after they were put in to bat.
But, led by Pietersen, the Stars, who also said farewell to Rob Quiney, reached their 186 target with five balls remaining.
DUNK DELIVERS
Ben Dunk (1-19) surprisingly struck the first blow of the game.
The leading BBL run-scorer this season, D'Arcy Short, was trapped lbw by the part-time off-spinner for a golden duck off just the fourth ball of the innings.
Short was unhappy with the decision, with replays showing the delivery was on track to clip the top of the stumps.
CHRISTIAN, REARDON COMBINE
At 107-5 in the 14th over, the Hurricanes desperately needed a partnership, and they got it from Christian and Reardon.
The duo combined for a 70-run stand off 37 balls to lift Hobart to a strong total.
PIETERSEN MAGIC
It was fitting that Pietersen delivered in his final appearance for the Stars.
The right-hander smashed six fours and two sixes to send the hosts on their way to an upset win.
Crucial innings' from captain John Hastings (20 off six), Evan Gulbis (19 not out) and Daniel Worrall, who hit an unbeaten 13, also boosted the Stars late in their successful chase.
The Hurricanes now face a nervous wait to see if they make the finals as fellow top-four candidates Brisbane Heat meet the Melbourne Renegades in the last match of the regular season.
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