MICHAEL Carberry missed out on a second Big Bash final as Perth Scorchers lost their semi-final to Kevin Pietersen-inspired Melbourne Stars.
The Hampshire batsman was caught behind for 13, one of three victims for seamer Daniel Worrall (3-25), as the defending champions were restricted to 139-7 at the MCG.
Then Pietersen powered the Stars into this weekend’s final.
Pietersen’s 62 from only 36 balls (five fours, two sixes) means he will be in action again on the big stage in Sunday’s showpiece match against Sydney Thunder back at the Stars’ MCG home.
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 two-year contract .
Carberry finished the tournament with 87 runs at 21.7.
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