Pakistan quick Haris Rauf impressed once again for Melbourne Stars during their Big Bash League (BBL) clash with Sydney Thunder.

Rauf’s bowling was instrumental in restricting Thunder to 142/7 after batting side’s captain Callum Ferguson won the toss at Sydney Showground Stadium on Thursday.

In-form Ferguson fell to Rauf for 13 as Thunder's top order were all back in the pavilion before the culmination of the seventh over.

Rauf also took important wickets at the backend of the innings, bowling both Alex Ross and Daniel Sams.

The Pakistan pacer finished with 3/24, taking his tournament’s tally to ten wickets in three games.

Rauf was added to the Stars squad in place of Nepal leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane, who is being rested due to an injury.

The 26-year-old pacer was earlier removed from the Stars’ contingent after the arrival of South Africa’s fast-bowler Dale Steyn, despite a dream start to the tournament — which saw him pick seven wickets in two games.