Heat hammer Stars to kick off title defence - Rookie Me Central (formerly Draft Central)

Heat hammer Stars to kick off title defence

BRISBANE Heat have kicked off their Big Bash League (BBL) title defence with a cruisy eight-wicket win over the Melbourne Stars on Wednesday night. Keeper Jimmy Perison carried his bat to score an unbeaten 76 (56) as the visitors surpassed Melbourne’s 6-162 with 11 balls remaining at the MCG.

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Peirson led a controlled run chase, which was capped off by a 78-run partnership with Max Bryant (36* off 22). The result was made all the more sweet by Brisbane’s depleted status, missing a raft of key players including imports Tom Alsop and Colin Munro, Spencer Johnson and Michael Neser.

Given their mounting injury list, the Heat handed debuts to Daniel Drew, who was due to bat at five, and Tom Whitney (1-28), while Jack Wood notched 27 (21) in a 55-run opening stand with Peirson. It was Wood’s first BBL appearance since 2022.

Stars captain Marcus Stoinis claimed 1-20 in his 100th BBL game, while Hamish McKenzie (1-42) was the only other wicket taker. Earlier, Xavier Bartlett showed his wares with the ball to take 3-25 as the Stars were sent in to bat.

After a nine-ball duck, Stars opener Joe Clarke managed a much improved 32 off 23 deliveries, combining with keeper Sam Harper (46 off 36) to add 52 runs before drinks. Stoinis (26 off 17) and Beau Webster (28* off 19) also got starts.

Another positive for the home side was the appearance of Hilton Cartwright, who just days earlier was carted off Perth Stadium in a neck brace. He made 15 (14) batting at five before economic leggie Mitch Swepson (1-15) had him caught out.

The Stars, now 0-2, will next be in action on Friday night against Adelaide Strikers. Glenn Maxwell is expected to return for the clash at Adelaide Oval. The Strikers will also be Brisbane’s next opponent in the Heat’s first home game of the season on Sunday.

SCORECARD

RESULT: Heat won by 8 wickets with 11 balls remaining
POTM: Jimmy Peirson (Brisbane Heat)
BAT FLIP: Heat won and elected to bowl

Melbourne Stars 6-162 (20)
Sam Harper 46 (36), Joe Clarke 32 (23), Beau Webster 28* (19)
Xavier Bartlett 3-25 (4), Mitch Swepson 1-15 (4), Tom Whitney 1-28 (3)

Brisbane Heat 2-163 (18.1)
Jimmy Peirson 72* (56), Max Bryant 36* (22), Jack Wood 27 (21)
Marcus Stoinis 1-20 (4), Hamish McKenzie 1-42 (4)

SQUADS

Melbourne Stars: Tom Rogers, Joe Clarke, Sam Harper (wk), Marcus Stoinis (c), Beau Webster, Hilton Cartwright, Tom Curran, Hamish McKenzie, Campbell Kellaway, Adam Milne, Brody Couch

Brisbane Heat: Jack Wood, Jimmy Peirson (wk), Matthew Renshaw, Daniel Drew, Max Bryant, Paul Walter, Will Prestwidge, Xavier Bartlett, Tom Whitney, Mitch Swepson (c), Matt Kuhnemann

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