Melbourne Renegades vs Melbourne Stars, 24th Match - Live Cricket Score, Commentary

Series: Big Bash League, 2015-16 Venue: Docklands Stadium, Melbourne Date & Time: Jan 09, 07:10 PM LOCAL

Luke Wright lit up the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) with a majestic century in the first leg between these two sides last week. In spite of that, the headlines were grabbed by the record 80,000 crowd that turned up for the clash. Another sell-out is expected this time around at the Etihad stadium for the derby clash.

Renegades, who currently lie sixth on the table can break into the top four with a win, whereas the Stars can climb up to the second spot if they can manage to repeat their performance from the first leg.

A huge challenge awaits both sides as some of their key players have left on national duty; James Faulkner, Glenn Maxwell, Scott Boland, Aaron Finch and Matthew Wade have been picked in the Australian One-Day International (ODI) squad for the series against India. Their absence might take a little bit of sheen out of the contest, but it also gives the fringe players a chance to step up.

The Renegades welcome Australia's Test wicket-keeper Peter Nevill back to the squad, while Rob Quiney and Ben Hilfenhaus return to the Stars' side for this important clash.

derby at @EtihadStadiumAU.

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Much happening in this over off Bravo. There was a loud, fervent appeal off the first ball, but the umpire didn't think there was anything to it. Pietersen was looking to steer it fine into the off-side, missed it. The keeper thought that Pietersen edged it. But the umpire was not convinced.

Pietersen then skied the next ball to cover, where two fielders ran towards it... in the end, neither went for it and KP survives!

The last ball of the over, KP smashed for a maximum to bring up the fifty-run stand between himself and Peter Handscomb.

After surviving a couple of lucky chances, Kevin Pietersen scores a handy half-century off 36 balls to take charge of Stars' chase. He smashes the next ball he faces over the fence. Looks like KP wants this over with quickly. Stars need 17 off 22 now.

Kevin Pietersen remains unbeaten on 67 as he shares a 94-run stand in 63 balls with Peter Handscomb to take Melbourne Stars to an eight-wicket victory. KP's best was on exhibition today. He showed what a batsman with experience can do. With nearly 90 needed from the final ten overs, KP banked on his wealth of experience to know how to steer the chase successfully. He waited for the freebies and ensured none of them went scot-free. After Luke Wright set the platform, Pietersen and Handscomb took full toll of some mediocre bowling from the Renegades to climb to third spot tied with Perth Scorchers with eight points. Adelaide Strikers sit pretty at the top with ten.

Marcus Stoinis has been named the Man of the Match for his brilliance with the ball earlier in the day.

Thank you for joining us today. Do return tomorrow for the double header when the Sixers take on Brisbane Heat and the Scorchers take on Hobart Hurricanes.