Melbourne Stars are sixth in the points table just ahead of the Melbourne Renegades after both teams lost two of their last three encounters.

Renegades have posted more than 170 in all their three games but lost two of them and that will concern the think-tank. The bowling department needs to step up if they want to have a chance of sealing a semi-final spot. Nathan Hauritz has been left out of the 13-member squad after his dismal performance against Perth Scorchers.

Stars, on the other hand, have bounced back beautifully after losing the first two games. They defeated Sydney Sixers by five wickets and have momentum going into the game. Glenn Maxwell finally showed a glimpse of what he can do with a 36-ball 50 and found good support from Peter Handscomb and David Hussey.

Both teams need a win and would not want to leave it too late and the tournament enters its second stage.

Early breakthrough for Stars! Chris Gayle goes cheap... and guess who caught him in the outfield? None other than Kevin Pietersen.

Can you believe what happened? A ball before KP says he wants Gayle to sky a catch. Next ball, Gayle miscues one to KP.

Gayle happened to say that he was better than Kevin Pietersen in terms of entertainment and can hit the ball longer. If they say, cricket is a leveller, now you know what it means.

Cameron White welcomed to the crease amidst some boos from the spectators. White, who used to play for the Stars before, was delisted by the franchise.Perhaps the crowd wasn't exactly aware of that?