Brisbane Heat started their BBL title defense with a big eight-wicket win over Melbourne Stars at the MCG. Chasing a target of 162, Heat reached 163 for 2 with 11 balls to spare. Wicketkeeper Jimmy Peirson played an excellent knock, scoring 72 not out, which is his best score in the BBL.
Peirson stayed at the crease throughout the chase and built a solid 78-run partnership with Max Bryant, who scored an unbeaten 36. The partnership left the Stars with no chance of making a comeback. Earlier in the match, Xavier Bartlett’s bowling (3 for 25) had already put Heat in control by restricting the Stars to 162 for 6.
The Stars, who have struggled in past seasons, failed to impress in the field and could not create many chances. This loss means they remain winless after two games in the 2024-25 season. They had also lost their first game to the Perth Scorchers on Sunday.
The Heat were missing several key players due to injuries, including Tom Alsop (quad), Colin Munro (hamstring), Spencer Johnson (toe), and Michael Neser (hamstring). Despite these setbacks, they handed debuts to Daniel Drew and Tom Whitney, who contributed well to the team’s winning effort.
The Stars will need to find form quickly to avoid another disappointing season, while Heat’s strong start gives them momentum for the rest of the tournament.
