Faf du Plessis and Josh Inglis have provided the fireworks with blistering half-centuries that powered the Perth Scorchers to 7-229 in their BBL clash with the Melbourne Stars.
Du Plessis blasted 68 from 33 balls at Junction Oval on Friday, laying the groundwork for the Scorchers as they posted the first score of 200-plus for the season.
The former South Africa skipper's dazzling innings included six fours and five sixes before he was eventually out caught off Luke Wood (5-50).
Inglis picked up where du Plessis left off, smashing 74 from 33 deliveries.
He bettered du Plessis' mark set earlier in the innings when he posted the fastest half-century of the season - off just 25 balls.
The wicketkeeper's knock included five fours and six sixes, with the Scorchers' batters combining to send 17 deliveries clear over the rope.
The Stars now require the second-highest run-chase in BBL history to pull off what would be a remarkable win.
Stars allrounder Marcus Stoinis was thrown the ball in his return to the field following a bout of COVID-19.
Du Plessis whacked Stoinis' first delivery back over his head for six but the medium pacer made the first breakthrough when he had opener Adam Lyth (seven) caught behind.
Stoinis finished with 1-48 from four overs.
His performance with the bat will be crucial to the Stars' chase as he seeks to bounce back from making consecutive ducks in the opening two games.
