They've done it before, and Melbourne Stars batsman Peter Handscomb insists his side can again defy the Big Bash odds and come from behind to make the finals.
The Stars on Friday night notched their first win of the season, downing crosstown rivals Melbourne Renegades by 23 runs on the back of a vintage performance from Kevin Pietersen.
Pietersen, who has announced this will be his last BBL season, smashed five sixes on his way to 74 off 46 balls.
He and Handscomb (41) combined for a 110-run partnership as the Stars built an insurmountable total of 4-167 after being sent in to bat.
The win lifted the Stars off the bottom of the ladder but at 1-5, they will likely need to win all four remaining games to secure a seventh consecutive finals berth.
Many had viewed their season as over before the derby but history suggests that may not be the case.
The Stars were 0-3 to start the 2014-15 season but went on to win their next five games and make the finals.
"There's no reason why not," Handscomb said after Friday night's game.
"I think a few years ago we had to win five in a row to make the semis. We've got to do it this time as well. Cricket's a funny game, you never know."
While 37-year-old Pietersen's heroics with the bat proved to be pivotal, it was also perhaps the Stars' most complete performance.
Pietersen and Glenn Maxwell's brilliant diving catches were highlights in the field while impressive youngster Jackson Coleman snared three wickets in his third BBL game.
"We had a big focus tonight on just going back to the basics," Handscomb said.
"I think sometimes you can get a little bit too much flair in your game and want to be able to do everything possible.
"But if you can just go back to the bare minimum, generally the flair shots will come and the flair bowling will come after that."
The Stars were without Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa, who have both been called up to Australia's one-day international side.
Maxwell, who was a surprise omission from the squad, delivered another reminder of his value, scoring an unbeaten 31 off 16 balls and snaring four catches.
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