The Big Bash League (BBL) 2023-24 opener turned out to be a one-sided encounter as Brisbane Heat beat Glenn Maxwell-led Melbourne Stars by 103 runs. Colin Munro starred in the first innings with an unbeaten 99 followed by a clinical bowling display to bowl out for 111 with 29 balls left in the innings. After the match, ‘Player of the match’ Munro revealed that he had a bet with skipper Maxwell heading into their first match of the new BBL season.
“Me and Maxi have a bet going - if one of us get a 50, we go to KFC. So it is his treat today,” Munro said in the post-match presentation.
“Nice to have the two Aussie boys back (Marnus and Khawaja), they can hopefully go on and enjoy their Test cricket when the season starts. One of those days where everything I tried came off, I tried targeting the short boundary today,” he added.
Earlier, Maxwell won the toss and opted to bowl first. Skipper Usman Khawaja and Munro got Heat off to a flying start with 66-run partnership. Maxwell broke the partnership in the seventh over. Then Munro and Marnus Labuschagne shared an 82-run partnership for the second wicket. Labuschagne was dismissed by Joel Paris before the slog overs.
Wicketkeeper-batter Sam Billings and Max Bryant's cameos helped their side post a daunting total of 214/3 on the board. On the other end, Munro remained unbeaten for 99 off 61 balls featuring nine fours and five sixes.
“99 or hundred, it doesn't really matter. It is a team game, I am team first. 99 or a 100, I’m not too worried as long as got runs on the board. We have got enough tonight. The bowlers need to change it up, don’t be too predictable with the ball, go about the field well and we should be alright,” the former Kiwi opener told the broadcasters during the innings break.
In the run chase, Stars were bowled out for 11 as only three batters scored in double digits. Maxwell got off to a good start with 23 runs from 14 balls but became victim to Mitchell Swepson.
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