callum ferguson finished on the winning side as the sydney thunder overcame the melbourne stars by 15 runs via the duckworth lewis method in their opening big bash clash of the 2018-2019 tournament.
the worcestershire batsman came in at number three in his first t20 action since scoring 64 not out to lead the rapids to vitality blast glory in their quarter-final win over gloucestershire.
ferguson, who is returning to New Road for the bulk of the 2019 season, made a quickfire 15 with one six and one four off 11 balls.
the 34-year-old was dismissed when giving a return catch off the leading edge to leg spinner sandeep lamichhane.
the south australian player was third out with the total on 59 in the eighth over.
but an unbeaten 63 off 36 deliveries from jason sangha – including four sixes – lifted the thunder’s final total to 181-5.
after the elements had intervened, the stars were left a target of 90 in eight overs but could only manage 74-6.
