Melbourne Stars opener Sam Harper scored his maiden Big Bash League century in a 7-wicket win over the Sydney Sixers to give the team their best start to a season in 12 years.
On a thrilling Boxing Day night at the SCG, Harper smashed an unbeaten 110 off 60 balls to help Stars chase down 145 with 15 balls to spare.
The innings was the highlight of Harper’s BBL career as he reached his century in just 50 balls, notably taking charge against Kane Richardson.
After struggling for form in the last two BBL seasons without a half-century, Harper has now scored 55 and 110 not out this season.
Harper’s dominance caused much of the pain for the Sixers as he hit six sixes in just two overs for Richardson to score 41 runs.
He took advantage of short boundaries several times, pulling Richardson into the Bill O’Reilly stand and removing cover as Richardson switched ends.
Harper continued his onslaught against Jake Edwards, bringing up his century over short third man after sweeping the rope twice already in the over.
The win marked the Stars’ third straight since an undefeated regular season in 2013-14. The Sydney Sixers, meanwhile, are struggling with one win in four games.
Earlier, veteran Peter Siddle, 41, came close to his maiden PPL hat-trick, taking 3 for 23 in four overs. He dismissed Jordan Silk and Joel Davies but was denied a hat-trick when Jonathan Merleau missed a difficult chance to dislodge Sean Abbott.
Former sixer Tom Curran also claimed 3 wickets for 26 runs. Curran dismissed key batsmen including Daniel Hughes (60 off 42 balls), Babar Azam (2) and Jack Edwards (11) as he hit a six off the last ball of the 20th over.
Curran left the Sixers after the 2023-24 season following a suspension for pushing the fourth umpire.
With Harper in sensational form, the Melbourne Stars set a statement at the start of BBL 15, while the Sixers need to regroup after a disappointing Boxing Day defeat.