Billings hits 72 in Thunder’s win against Stars

Sam Billings’ 72 from 39 balls helped Sydney Thunder beat Melbourne Stars by 18 runs in the Big Bash.

England wicketkeeper Billings hit nine fours and two sixes to lift the Thunder to 182-8.

The next highest score was 33 from Jason Sangha and Billings should have been run out for 16 but the Stars did not appeal after a direct hit.

England opener Ben Duckett scored 67 from 49 balls in the Stars’ reply, his second fifty in a row in the competition, but regular wickets hampered their chase.

Marcus Stoinis was caught at extra cover for 22 and Glenn Maxwell top-edged a sweep on six.

The Stars needed 56 from the final five overs but Duckett was caught behind attempting a pull and Wes Agar ran through the lower order, taking three wickets in the 19th over.

The Thunder move up to third in the table with a second win in three matches but the Stars are bottom, winless in five attempts.