The 13th season of Big Bash League (BBL) kicked off in style as the Brisbane Heat showcased a stellar performance, securing a commanding 103-run win over the Melbourne Stars in the opening encounter. The star of the show was none other than Colin Munro, whose sensational 99-run knock earned him the well-deserved ‘Player of the Match’ award.
The Melbourne Stars, led by Glenn Maxwell, won the toss and opted to bowl, hoping to make early inroads into the Brisbane Heat batting lineup. However, what followed was a batting masterclass by the Heat, with Munro leading the charge.
Munro’s fireworks power Brisbane Heat to a daunting total
Brisbane Heat’s innings was a display of aggressive and fearless cricket, as they posted an imposing total of 214-3 in their allotted 20 overs. Munro set the stage on fire with his explosive 99 runs, displaying a blend of power-hitting and finesse. Alongside him, Marnus Labuschagne (30 off 23) and Sam Billings (18 off 11) contributed to the team’s formidable total.
Stars’ uphill battle and surrender
The Melbourne Stars, chasing a challenging target of 215, faced an uphill task against a disciplined Brisbane Heat bowling attack. Despite efforts from key batters like Maxwell (23 off 14) and Hilton Cartwright (33 off 16), the Stars fell short of the target and were bundled out for 111 in their 15.1 overs.
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Bowling brilliance from the Brisbane Heat
Brisbane Heat’s victory was a collective effort, with the bowlers playing a crucial role in defending their massive total. Mitchell Swepson was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 2/23, while Michael Neser and Xavier Bartlett contributed with two wickets each.
Munro’s match-winning innings not only set the tone for Brisbane Heat’s campaign but also left a lasting impression on the BBL 2023-24 opening fixture. The explosive left-hander’s ability to dominate the opposition bowlers and steer his team to a comprehensive victory underlined his importance as a key player for the Heat, and he was adjudged ‘Player of the Match.’
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Brisbane Heat win by 103 runs!
Man of the match collin Munro 🔥
99 runs off 61 balls
9 fours 5 sixes 💪#BBL13 pic.twitter.com/3YxFZhaKXn— Aakrosh Dwivedi (@KAakrosh) December 7, 2023
99* BY COLIN MUNRO…!!!
What a way to kick off the Big Bash League – a tremendous 99* in 61 balls with 9 fours and 5 sixes by Munro. pic.twitter.com/pzlk6qXEto
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 7, 2023
Munro Magic – just when we were Colin for it ❤️
Celebrating Colin Munro’s 99* runs off 61 balls vs Melbourne Stars in #BBL13 🫡 #DesertVipers #FangsOut pic.twitter.com/z4mKvZvk5y
— Desert Vipers (@TheDesertVipers) December 7, 2023
Here me out ! Colin munro this year can be a dark horse and steal in IPL auction… #iplauction2024
— UMAIR 🇮🇳 🇵🇸 (@alooparanthah) December 7, 2023
Colin Munro delivered a batting masterclass as Brisbane Heat beat Melbourne Stars by 103 runs in the opening game of the BBL 13..!!#Cricket #BBL13 #BBL #BrisbaneHeat #ColinMunro pic.twitter.com/J5XV0rdTJY
— Knuckle Ball (@Knuckleball4003) December 7, 2023
Brisbane Heat cook sesh 🔥👨🍳 pic.twitter.com/GOwsz7ZtP6
— dylan ⚪️✨ 🇦🇺🇫🇷 (@dylan__CLE) December 7, 2023
*Take a Bow*
*Colin Munro 99* 🙌*BBL 13 🇦🇺🔰* pic.twitter.com/KHJh9leZSt
— Abubakar (@cricphd) December 7, 2023
Neser bringing the heat in the Brisbane Heat #BBL13
— Tumelo Tshepo Moeketsi (@Tucha_Moeketsi) December 7, 2023
Highest team scores by Brisbane Heat in men’s T20s :-
224/5 – v Sydney Sixers in 2023
214/3 – v Melbourne Stars today
212/3 – v Hobart Hurricanes in 2020
209/4 – v Sydney Sixers in 2019
209/3 – v Hobart Hurricanes in 2013#BBL13— Rhitankar Bandyopadhyay (@rhitankar8616) December 7, 2023
𝘽𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙗𝙖𝙣𝙚 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙒𝙞𝙣𝙨 :
Brisbane Heat Wins The #BBL13 Opener Against Melbourne Stars At The Gabba!#BBL pic.twitter.com/OQ0r602gvf
— (ZEESHAN)®08 (@Muhamma15874875) December 7, 2023
Brisbane Heat beats Melbourne Stars by 103 runs in the BBL 2023-24 opener in Gabba.
What a start to the season for Usman Khawaja led Brisbane Heat ❤️🔥 pic.twitter.com/aJabfTh6zn
— 🅒🅡🅘︎🅒︎🄲🅁🄰🅉🅈𝗠𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗨™ 🇮🇳❤️ (@MSDianMrigu) December 7, 2023
Brisbane Heat secures a commanding win in the season opener! 💥
🌟 Stars of the match:
🔹 Colin Munro: 99* (61)
🔹 Swepson: 3.1-0-23-3#BBL13 pic.twitter.com/AdPdnjLzbK— Sahib Singh (@singh28915) December 7, 2023
The Brisbane Heat just won a game comfortably. I see it but I don’t believe it #BBL13
— Eden Richards (@Eden_Richards) December 7, 2023
COLIN MUNRO FANTASTIC 99* FROM 61 BALLS…!!!
What a incredible innings off the Big Bash League.
– tremendous knock by colin Munro. pic.twitter.com/aMD53Aum5n
— CRICKET 360° (@MollahShamim165) December 7, 2023