Melbourne Stars defeated Sydney Thunder in convincing fashion during the ongoing Big Bash League match at the Carrara Oval.

The Thunder won the toss and elected to bat first but their innings remained bereft of momentum for a major phase of their batting effort.

Daniel Sams’ brisk innings of 42 runs off just 25 balls — which included four sixes — helped the team reach 135-8 in their allotted 20 overs.

For the Stars, Scott Boland Marcus Stoinis claimed two wickets each.

In reply, the Stars reached the target without major trouble, inside 18 overs.

Stoinis — who opened the innings — scored 32 runs off 22 balls while Nick Larkin and Glenn Maxwell remained unbeaten on 41 runs each.

For his good all-round performance Marcus Stoinis was declared player of the match.