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Melbourne Stars claimed a hollow victory over derby rivals the Renegades in a rain-affected Big Bash League clash at the MCG on Saturday night.
David Hussey made 51 in the Stars’ total of 5-167 but the umpires called the players from the field at 9.27pm with the Renegades stuck on 3-58 from 8.1 overs in reply.
The match ended at 9.53 with no further play possible.
The Stars won by 11 runs on the Duckworth/Lewis Method, boosting their win-loss tally to 2-3 and keeping their semi-final hopes alive.
The Renegades also have a 2-3 record.
An official crowd of 40,227 was the highest in the new-look BBL this season, but fell short of the Australian domestic Twenty20 record of 43,125 when Victoria hosted Tasmania in January 2010.
The Renegades had lost Aaron Finch for one and Brad Hodge (10) was stumped off David Hussey’s bowling in the fourth over.
Master legspinner Shane Warne struck in his first over as he claimed Glenn Maxwell caught at gully for 24 at 3-57.
Andrew McDonald was unbeaten on 11 and Nathan Reardon was 0 not out.
The Stars had won the toss and suffered an early collapse to be 3-44 before Hussey drew on his vast experience to compile a crucial knock.
England import Luke Wright smashed a quick 25 before he was caught at cover off Shane Harwood’s bowling at 1-40.
Australia T20 captain Cameron White (one) missed out on double figures for the fifth consecutive game when he gloved a short ball from Shaun Tait at 2-44.
Dirk Nannes had Rob Quiney (14) caught on the boundary at 3-44 in another major setback for the Stars.
But Hussey and George Bailey (24) steadied the innings with an 80-run partnership before flamboyant spinner Shahid Afridi (2-20) claimed both their wickets in the 16th over.
Matthew Wade finished unbeaten on 32 from 15 deliveries for the Stars.
“It’s a real shame given all the hype about this Melbourne derby. It’s bad for the fans,” Renegades wicketkeeper Graham Manou told FoxSports TV.
Both Melbourne sides have two games remaining, with the Stars facing competition leaders the Hurricanes on Monday in Hobart.
The Renegades host bottom side Brisbane Heat at Etihad Stadium on Thursday.
“Our next game is at Etihad Stadium where we wouldn’t have this problem we’re having now,” Manou added of his team’s home ground which has a retractable roof.
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