Daniel Worrall's career-best Twenty20 figures couldn't have come at a better time for the Melbourne Stars.
The swing bowler, considered a bolter for Australia's Ashes squad, picked up 4-23 as the Stars upset Hobart Hurricanes in Thursday night's elimination semi-final at Bellerive Oval.
Skipper Glenn Maxwell continued his good form, top-scoring with an unbeaten 43 as the Stars chased down the target of 154 with seven balls to spare.
But the six-wicket win was sparked by Worrall.
The 27-year-old took two scalps in the second over after the Hurricanes were sent in, and returned to take another two at the death.
He had the in-form Matthew Wade caught behind for just two with his first ball and then cleaned bowled rookie Caleb Jewell as the Hurricanes fell to 2-5.
"I actually meant to put that on his hip and get him to hit it for one. But I'll take it," Worrall said.
The 27-year-old changed from over to around the wicket the ball before dismissing Jewell for one.
"I just thought I'd change it up and get them to think something else was going to happen but I was just going to bowl the same ball anyway," Worrall said.
"I think in Twenty20 ... you've just got to be almost chaotic. Sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't."
The Stars are into the BBL decider for the second time, having finished runners-up to the Sydney Sixers in 2015-16.
They'll on Sunday meet either the Sixers or Melbourne Renegades, who face off in the second semi-final on Friday night.
It's a marked turnaround after finishing with the wooden spoon last tournament.
"After last season where we didn't meet our expectations, everyone's just happy to be playing good cricket at the right time," Worrall said.
Worrall joked he was on the Renegades' bandwagon and gunning for a packed Melbourne derby.
"Whoever it is, it'll be an exciting contest and we'll be doing our best to get our first piece of silverware."
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