Sparkling half-centuries from international duo Erin Osborne and Mignon du Preez have revived the Melbourne Stars for an unlikely five-wicket WBBL win over the Hobart Hurricanes.
The Hurricanes posted a challenging 6-158 at the picturesque West Park in Burnie on Saturday but the visitors overcame a shocking start to edge a tense win with a ball to spare.
The Stars seemed to be facing oblivion against last season's wooden-spooners after slipping to 4-23 with a quarter of their allotted 20 overs used up.
But Australian representative Osborne and South African du Preez posted a lightning stand of 126 for the fifth wicket, leaving the Stars requiring just four runs off the final over.
Captain Osborne crashed 67 off 46 balls, while du Preez hit the winning run to end unbeaten on 59 from 38 balls, including three sixes.
Hobart's Heather Knight top-scored for the match with a rollicking knock of 82 not out from just 55 balls.
The Hurricanes were also in trouble early at 2-8 but Knight earned support from Hayley Matthews (18) and Corinne Hall (26).
Victory leaves the Stars with two wins from as many starts, while the Hurricanes have lost both their matches.
