The Melbourne Stars have beaten cross-town rivals the Renegades by three wickets at the MCG in one of the most thrilling finishes to a Big Bash League match.

Glenn Maxwell (66 from 44) and Kevin Pietersen (49 off 49) spearheaded the run chase after the Renegades set the Stars 154 to win.

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The Renegades total of 6-153 was made thanks to Matthew Wade’s 71 off 49 deliveries, courtesy of two fours and four big sixes.

Maxwell was just as belligerent in his innings, only to be bowled by Fawad Ahmed as the Stars neared the target.

But there was much more drama to follow as Ben Stokes removed Pietersen and James Faulkner (5) in consecutive balls.

The Stars’ Tom Triffitt and Alex Keath looked to guide the team home at the death, but Keath was run-out attempting a third, winning run with two balls remaining.

John Hastings was then run out the very next delivery without facing a ball.

There was a mad scramble for the winning run as Triffitt flashed a shot straight at short mid-wicket, with the fielder’s flick-on looking like a direct-hit dismissal for a third consecutive run-out.

But replays suggested Nathan Rimmington’s foot had nudged the wicket before the ball made contact, meaning the single counted and the Stars squeaked home for the win.