Kevin Pietersen powered Melbourne Stars into this weekend's Big Bash final, with a seven-wicket win over Perth Scorchers at the MCG.
Pietersen (62) will therefore be in action again on the big stage in Sunday's showpiece match against Sydney Thunder back at the Stars' home ground.
The Stars always appeared set for a successful semi-final chase after Scorchers had set them 139 for seven - visiting captain Adam Voges making 52 and seamer Daniel Worrall taking three wickets for 25 runs.
Controversial former England batsman Pietersen, in extended exile for the past two years, then shared stands of 69 with Marcus Stoinis and 46 with Peter Handscomb.
He passed his 50 off just 31 balls, having hit four fours and also a six over long-off from the bowling of England all-rounder David Willey.
Pietersen was out with victory in sight, bowled missing an audacious switch-hit at new Australian one-day international call-up Joel Paris.
But the Stars comfortably completed the job, with 11 balls to spare, booking their place in the final for the first time in the same week Pietersen confirmed he has signed a new contract to join them again for the next two years.
Source: PA
