Canberra: Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf led the Melbourne Stars to 15 points at the top of the Big Bash League (PBL) with a nine-wicket victory over a listless Sydney Thunder at Manuka Oval on Sunday.
As the Thunder struggled to gain momentum after being sent in to bat, Rauf set the tone with the ball, taking 3 for 29.
His pace and accuracy destroyed the middle-order, ensuring the Stars kept the runs intact this season.
Chasing a modest target of 129, Stars reached the score with 36 balls to spare.
Joe Clarke scored a fluent 60 off 37 balls, while Sam Harper remained unbeaten on 29 before Glenn Maxwell’s 39 off 20 balls ensured a resounding victory.
Earlier, the Thunder’s innings didn’t really start. Openers Sam Konstas and Matt Gilkes both provided a brief spark, scoring 23 not out after two overs, but both fell in quick succession – Gilkes eventually being bowled by Rauff after surviving two close chances.
David Warner briefly delighted the crowd with a six on the roof of Manuka Oval, but was dismissed on the very next ball, leaving the Thunder 64 for 4.
Rauff again dismissed Sam Billings and the English looked to settle, then Chris Green got his third scalp when he flicked a catch straight to short fine leg.
New addition Mitchell Swepson took 2 for 18 with his first ball including wickets and was trapped by Cameron Bancroft lbw.
The Thunder failed to recover from the early onslaught and closed with a low total, suffering their first loss of the campaign after three wins, while the Stars continued their dominant start to the season.