Melbourne Stars captain Meg Lanning caught the eye as the team beat Sydney Sixers in the opening match of the 2023 Women’s Big Bash League.

At North Sydney Oval, Lanning hit a team-high 55 off 34 balls to help the Stars reach 165-8.

With a 72, stand-in captain Ashleigh Gardner dragged the Sixers back into the game after they fell to 71-6.

The Sixers, however, could not get over the finish line after needing eight runs from the final seven balls.

After missing the Ashes series draw against England over the summer due to medical reasons, Lanning has built some solid form.

Prior to the return of the Big Bash League, the 31-year-old scored four half centuries in five appearances for Victoria Women.

Despite the Stars finishing sixth and missing out on the play-offs last season, Annabel Sutherland chipped in with 34 runs and 4-27 with the ball.

Defending champions Adelaide Stars take on the Sixers at Karen Rolton Oval on Saturday, while the Sixers play cross-city rivals Sydney Thunder on Sunday.