BBL: Brisbane Heat thump Melbourne Stars in season opener

Brisbane Heat secured a commanding 103-run victory over Melbourne Stars in the inaugural match of the Men’s Big Bash.

Playing on their home turf, Heat set a formidable target of 215 for the Stars, with Colin Munro contributing significantly with an unbeaten 99.

The Stars faced early setbacks in their innings, losing key top-order wickets, including captain Glenn Maxwell, who could only manage 23 runs despite being a 2023 World Cup winner.

Spinner Mitchell Swepson played a crucial role in the Heat’s bowling attack, finishing with impressive figures of 3-23 as the Stars were eventually bowled out for 111.

The season opener featured an array of international stars, including Australia Test opener Usman Khawaja, who captained the Heat alongside fellow Test batter Marnus Labuschagne. Both players, part of Australia’s Test squad facing Pakistan, contributed scores of 28 and 30, respectively.

The Heat squad also featured English wicketkeeper Sam Billings, who scored 18 off 11 balls, and all-rounder Paul Walter, claiming his maiden Big Bash wicket.

Melbourne Stars, led by Australia’s World Cup-winning duo Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis, included all-rounder Liam Dawson and bowler Olly Stone, both with three Test matches for England. However, they were unable to make an impact with the ball and were dismissed for single-digit scores.

Concerns arose over Maxwell’s right forearm, as he received strapping during batting. Stoinis struggled with a score of 2, while Hilton Cartwright’s 33 off 16 stood out as the lone significant contribution for the Stars.

The Big Bash action continues on Friday, with the Sydney Sixers hosting the Melbourne Renegades at 08:15 GMT. Follow live commentary throughout the competition via the Sounds app, BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, and the BBC Sport Website.