10.26 pm Slow first 10 overs by Thunder costs them as the Stars coast across the target thanks to Russell's unbeaten 42 at two runs per ball. Maxwell and Stoinis laid the platform for the chase before Russell showed why he gets paid the big bucks.

Stars captain Glenn Maxwell: "I think we held our lengths really well with the ball. We didn't give them much freebies at the start and didn't allow them to get into the game. They got away a little bit at the end but it was a reasonably good wicket. [Me and Stoinis] didn't do much last game when we were able to get the victory which is a pleasing sign for the Stars. Over the last few years, we've relied on us at the top of the order so for us to get into the tournament and get a few runs out of the middle is a really good sign for our batting group. No boundary is big enough to stop [Russell]. It's a scary proposition for any team to come up against and he was outstanding tonight. We're feeling really good. Obviously our bowling attack is starting to come together now."

Player of the Match is Andre Russell: "What I liked was our discipline in the first half of the game. We bowled very good and by bowling well, we gave ourselves the best chance to do the job tonight. The wicket wasn't the best wicket to bat on, especially starting as a batter. The thing is we bowled well and then the batters give us a good start and its good that I can capitalize on the back end. These guys are believers. No one talks about the first game that much. They just get that out of the way as quick as possible. We have to pick ourselves up, travel the next day and play some good cricket the next day. We have a good leader in Maxwell, all the guys want to contribute and that's been happening so I'm happy to be a part of this."

That's it for tonight's coverage. Come back tomorrow for the matchup between Brisbane Heat and Melbourne Renegades. On behalf of my tag-team partner Sreshth Shah, I'm Peter Della Penna. Take care!

Sandhu to bowl his final over, if it lasts six balls that is.

Around the wicket now to Russell.

Nathan McAndrew to bowl the 17th.