Defending champions Perth Scorchers proved to be the BBL benchmark, overpowering Melbourne Stars at the MCG. Perth extended their winning streak to six over the Stars, claiming a seven-wicket victory. Perth left-arm opening bowler Jason Behrendorff starred with 3-28, including a rare T20 double wicket maiden. Behrendorff snared Marcus Stoinis and Nick Larkin in the ninth over. Ashton Turner (19no) and Inglish (17no) closed out the match. The Stars are in immediate trouble, also losing the season opener to Brisbane last week by 103 runs. In his first game as Stars captain, Marcus Stoinis noted how well they fielded and bowled regardless of the low total they were defending. The Stars batted poorly on a wicket that had been under cover for much of the last 48 hours. Liam Dawson and Haris Rauf showed up their teammates by putting on 21 for the last wicket. Meanwhile, Hilton Cartwright top-scored with 24 from 18 balls. Melbourne had a rain forecast for Wednesday night, but the showers stayed away. Stoinis was captain in place of Glenn Maxwell (forearm), while Nathan Coulter-Nile (calf) was also out injured. The BBL will take a break until December 19, as the tournament has faced several hiccups, including a match called off due to a waterlogged pitch.

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