If momentum counts for anything in Twenty20 cricket, the Melbourne Stars are closer to a maiden BBL title than they've ever been.
The Stars stormed into the second BBL final in franchise history with an upset six-wicket win over the Hobart Hurricanes at Bellerive Oval on Thursday night.
The victory over the Hurricanes, who finished two games clear on top of the ladder, followed their 94-run demolition of the Sydney Sixers in their last game of the regular season.
"It's been a tough couple of games for us but I think we're hitting our straps at the right time ... we've got a lot left to do but we're really excited about the next game on Sunday," Stars batsman Seb Gotch told reporters.
"It feels like we've got everything in order and we're very clear with our plans.
"But Twenty20 is such a strange game ... you can be playing well and come up against a team that does some extraordinary things.
"Whilst we can be confident that we're doing all the right things we still need to be really particular in how we play and match up against a certain team."
The Stars have played finals every year except last season when they finished bottom, with their last shot at the title ending in defeat to the Sydney Thunder at the MCG in BBL05.
Skipper Glenn Maxwell starred for Melbourne's green team with an unbeaten 43 in their run chase after Daniel Worrall hobbled the Hurricanes with figures of 4-23.
Gotch sealed the win with a majestic six over extra cover with his side requiring three runs from eight balls.
"I don't hit many sixes so anything that clears the rope is always a positive," he said with a broad smile.
"It was a lovely wicket and a short boundary so I thought I could get one away."
Australian Associated Press
