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The Stars looked like finally breaking their WBBL duck before Alex Blackwell produced a perfectly-timed masterclass to guide the Thunder to safety.
Former national captain Alex Blackwell has helped Sydney Thunder steal an unlikely four-wicket win over the winless Melbourne Stars in the WBBL.
Set 142 for victory, the Thunder looked in trouble at Bankstown when they slumped to 5-88 and needed 51 off the last five overs.
But with Blackwell at the crease, the home side had a pulse and the veteran timed the chase to perfection, digging in early and launching late to remain undefeated on 45, steering the Thunder home with two balls remaining.
Opener Rachel Priest (45) started the pursuit aggressively but when she was trapped in front by teenaged spinner Madeline Penna, who bowled brilliantly to snare 4-20, the Thunder stalled.
Blackwell calmly got things back on track and received nice lower-order support from youngster Hannah Darlington and veteran Rene Farrell as the Thunder jumped to second spot on the ladder.
Earlier, Stars captain Elyse Villani returned to form with 52 and fellow opener Lizelle Lee thumped four sixes in a belligerent 50 as the visitors posted 5-141.
Both Stars openers were dropped on nought in the first over of the match, Farrell grassing a sharp return chance from Villani and Lee reprieved when Darlington misjudged a high ball at mid-on.
The pair combined for a 79-run first-wicket union and the Stars held the upper hand for the majority of the match before Blackwell stole it in the clutch.
