Nottinghamshire’s Michael Lumb scored 80 in vain for the Sydney Sixers after a nailbiting finale saw the Melbourne Stars seal a super-over victory in the KFC T20 Big Bash League.
Both teams posted 150 from their 20 overs, before the Stars plundered 19 from Brett Lee’s super over thanks to two sixes from James Faulkner – selected ahead of Cameron White, Kevin Pietersen and Glenn Maxwell. John Hastings then took two to remove Nic Maddison and Moises Henriques, leaving Lumb to effortlessly take four from the last ball with the game lost.
Batting first, Lumb led from the front for the Sixers, pacing his 61-ball innings perfectly. After losing opening partner Nic Maddison and Outlaws teammate Riki Wessels early, his 80 formed the spine of the innings.
Comfortable driving through the off side or sweeping to the ropes, Lumb was at his best, encapsulated when the Nottinghamshire man hit two straight sixes to push his score on.
After miscuing a delivery and being caught by Cameron White off Scott Boland, he had added 80 of the Sixers’ 122 runs and batted through 16 overs of the innings.
Jordan Silk was the only other Sixers batsman to reach double figures, his late flourish seeing him finish 37 not out.
The Sixers struck early in the Stars reply too, Brett Lee bowling Luke Wright first ball, but 50 from Kevin Pietersen along with contributions from White, Maxwell and a partnership worth 42 between Faulkner and Tom Triffitt saw the scores tied.
The Sixers remain second in the Big Bash standings, and look set to reach the finals should their form continue, while the Stars now lie one outside the knockout places.
Notts Outlaws hope to break the 10,000 barrier when reigning champions Birmingham Bears visit Trent Bridge for a NatWest T20 Blast encounter on Friday 15 May. Adult tickets have been reduced to £10 with further discounts in place for under 16s (£5), under 21s (£7) over 65s (£7) buying in advance. Secure your seats here.