Chris Lynn once again dazzled with the bat and Samuel Badree claimed a five-for as Brisbane Heat battered Melbourne Stars by 56 runs, but the big win comes too late for their Big Bash League semi-final hopes.

Top-order batsman Lynn (56) has been one of the stars of the BBL and he recorded the third-fastest half-century in the competition's history after smashing five consecutive sixes off Ben Hilfenhaus' first over to help the Heat to 188-7 at the MCG on Thursday.

The Stars - who would have guaranteed a last-four berth with victory - toiled in reply as Badree destroyed the top order with 5-22. Evan Gulbis' 52 restored a modicum of pride but the hosts made just 122-9.

Melbourne must now recover to beat champions Perth Scorchers to guarantee a last-four berth, while Brisbane's rally has come too late and their season has come to an end.

Jimmy Peirson was bowled for a duck by Michael Beer (1-34) in the first over of the match, but captain Lynn - the BBL's top-scorer this season - put Hilfenhaus (2-42) to the sword in a sixth over that started with an innocuous prod to cover.

Lynn exploded with a huge effort over square leg and, after hitting further maximums towards square, finished his flurry with two hits straight back over the bowler, bringing up his half-century from 19 balls in the process.

He was caught in the deep two overs later off Adam Zampa (2-31), before Hilfenhaus' disciplined bowling reeled the Heat back and a flurry of three wickets fell for just 18 runs towards the end of the innings.

The Stars made a shocking start in reply as the impressive Badree had them reeling on 23-5 after five overs, starting by snaffling Luke Wright for a duck.

Badree also claimed Marcus Stoinis (8) and Kevin Pietersen (7) in the space of three balls, with Peter Handscomb (2) and Rob Quiney (0) falling in consecutive deliveries to the West Indies spinner.

It left the Stars with too much to do, with a 59-run stand between Gulbis and David Hussey (25) restoring at least a little pride.