Calm and disciplined performances from the Melbourne Stars, particularly Sam Harper, overcame tricky pitch conditions and a competitive bowling attack to achieve a well-deserved victory over the Sydney Sixers in the 11th match at the Sydney Cricket Ground. After winning the toss, the Stars asked the Sixers to bat first, with the surface offering help to pace and spin. Nowhere close to being a batting paradise-the pitch had swing early, seamed off the surface and turned significantly off the old ball. Shot-making was never easy, with every run being earned from the blokes' efforts. Conditions were said to be better slightly with the arrival of lights, but they were tough from start to finish. Stars bowlers Set the Tone Early On Sydney's slow start began behind solid starts. No one else stood tall apart from Hughes, who went for an assertive knock of 60 off 42 with eight fours and one six and kept the innings together while the others kept trudging down. No Sixers batter settled anything apart from Hughes. At one stage, the Sixers were sitting pretty at 90-2, and just like that, they were 144 all out. The Stars' pace attack had been clinical, merciless; they took nine of ten wickets cleanly. Tom Curran and Peter Siddle led the pack with three wickets apiece while utilizing the movement available along with proper length. Marcus Stoinis chipped in with two key wickets, while Haris Rauf provided pace and energy, albeit at a slightly expensive cost. Stars' bowling effort kept the target within range, while the chasing would prove tougher because of the conditions. Also Read | BBL’s Highest Chase: Brisbane Heat Pulls Off Record 258-Run Chase vs Scorchers Sam Harper Leads the Chase With a Ton Chasing down a small total on a difficult pitch still called for concentration; that was exactly what Sam Harper provided to the Melbourne Stars. The wicketkeeper-batter played a stellar innings, scoring an unbeaten 110 runs off just 60 balls and his innings comprised of 12 fours and six sixes. Always meant to score, Harper from the very first ball began piercing the gaps and punishing any weak deliveries bowled. He struck eight fours and four sixes during his knock at a very fast strike rate. Only Sean Abbott (1/30) and Joel Davies (2/16) managed to get wickets. Harper was calm and cool under control as he read the conditions well, picking his moments to attack and rotating strike when it really mattered; his knock was the difference between the two sides. Campbell Kellaway and Jonathan Merlo scored 14 runs each in the chase. Eventually, the Melbourne Stars crossed the finishing line with 15 balls to spare. The victory will instill great confidence in the Stars, and the Sixers shall look back and think of a lot of missed opportunities: they could not capitalize on a very steady start with the bat.