Brisbane Heat kicked off the Australia Twenty20 Big Bash League in spectacular fashion as Colin Munro's blistering unbeaten 99 led them to a commanding 103-run win over Glenn Maxwell's Melbourne Stars.
Munro's fireworks, which included five sixes and nine fours in a 61-ball onslaught, left Stars skipper Maxwell regretting his decision to field after winning the bat flip in front of a 20,000-strong crowd at the Gabba.
Despite a dropped catch opportunity when Munro was on 58, the New Zealand opener continued his assault, even hitting a six off the next ball from Maxwell, costing 22 runs in the over. Munro fell just short of a century, but contributions from Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja propelled Brisbane Heat to an imposing total of 214-3.
The Stars' run chase suffered an early setback with Michael Neser dismissing openers Sam Harper and Tom Rogers in the first over. Despite a brief cameo from World Cup winner Maxwell, who scored 23 before falling to Mitchell Swepson, the Stars never recovered from the early blows. Marcus Stoinis's departure further deepened their troubles, and they were eventually bowled out for 111 in the 16th over, with Swepson claiming 3-23 and Neser 2-30.
Brisbane Heat captain Khawaja praised Munro's exceptional innings, acknowledging the challenge it posed for the opposition to contain such a powerful start. The victory marked the Stars' fifth consecutive defeat dating back to the previous season.
This triumph marked the commencement of the 13th edition of the eight-team tournament, with the Perth Scorchers emerging as red-hot favorites to secure a third consecutive title. The Scorchers, champions from the previous season, will begin their title defense against Aaron Finch's Melbourne Renegades in Geelong on Sunday. The tournament will culminate in a four-game finals series, leading up to the grand finale on January 24.
