Cartwright’s piece of brilliance sets up Stars’ win

Hilton Cartwright produced a piece of fielding that almost certainly will be remembered as one of the finest of BBL10 on a night Nathan Coulter-Nile re-emerged as a force for the Melbourne Stars.

In their opening clash of the new season, the Stars reinforced why they are favourites to finally claim a maiden title with a six-wicket win over an under-strength Brisbane Heat at Manuka Oval in Canberra. Chasing only 126 for victory, the Stars – led by a typically dynamic Glenn Maxwell (46 off 26 deliveries) – reached their target with 17 deliveries to spare. They also claimed the Bash Boost point.

A moment of brilliance by Cartwright, the former Australian Test all-rounder, highlighted the Stars’ dominance. Englishman Dan Lawrence (8 off 7 deliveries), likened to Kevin Pietersen for his stroke play, had clipped a delivery to a vacant mid-wicket, only for Cartwright to dash in from the deep and knock over the stumps with a slick throw.

“Outstanding fielding, Hilton Cartwright, beautiful fielding, one-handed pick up, one, one-and a-half stumps to look at,” Adam Gilchrist said on the Fox Cricket commentary.