BBL: Melbourne Stars defeat Sydney Sixers at MCG to extend winning run

Shane Warne: Two wickets for the Stars skipper

Glenn Maxwell: Blasted 82 off 50 balls for the Stars

Melbourne Stars extended their winning run in the KFC Big Bash to a third successive match following a 21-run victory over Sydney Sixers at the MCG.

An explosive 118 partnership between Glenn Maxwell and Brad Hodge helped the Stars, led by Shane Warne, up to 177-6 batting first - the second-highest total in this year's competition.

The Sixers stormed to 74-0 in reply, however two wickets from Warne stalled their progress and the 2012 Champions League winners eventually slumped to 156-5 from their 20 overs.

Hard-hitting batsman Maxwell, who impressed during a spell with Hampshire earlier this year, combined brilliantly with veteran Hodge after the Sixers had reduced the Stars to 17-2 inside four overs.

Maxwell clubbed six fours and three sixes to post a top-scoring 82 from 50 balls, while Hodge compiled a classy 51 off 33.

The 178-run target always looked a tough ask for the Sixers but openers Dan Smith (32 off 31) and Steve O'Keefe gave them an ideal start with a 74-run partnership.

Stars skipper Warne (2-32) claimed the breakthrough when Smith picked out Dave Hussey at deep midwicket and the momentum swung back in the home side's favour when O'Keefe (42 off 35) and Moises Henriques (2) departed in successive overs.

A lively cameo of 39 from Sixers captain Brad Haddin threatened a revival, however his dismissal, clean bowled by a spearing Lasith Malinga yorker, signalled the end.

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