Injury-hit Brisbane Heat showed no signs of weakness as they kickstarted their BBL 2024-25 title defence with a dominating eight-wicket win over the Melbourne Stars at the MCG. Heat’s opening game was all about composure, strategy, and standout performances from Jimmy Peirson and Xavier Bartlett, ensuring the Stars walked away winless after their second consecutive defeat.
Let’s break down how the Heat scorched their way to victory while the Stars’ struggles continued.
Stars Set a Modest Target of 162 for 6
Winning the toss and batting first, the Stars looked hopeful to shake off their previous defeat against the Perth Scorchers. However, their innings failed to hit top gear despite some flashes of brilliance.
- Sam Harper was the lone bright spot for Melbourne, scoring a fluent 46, but his innings was cut short when he was bowled by Matt Kuhnemann. Just as he looked set for a big total, the breakthrough dented the Stars’ momentum.
- Captain Marcus Stoinis, playing his 100th game for the franchise, provided some fireworks during the power surge. He smashed 16 runs off one over from Paul Walter but was dismissed the very next ball, falling for 26 after picking out Jack Wood.
The Stars’ innings never quite found its rhythm, with Hilton Cartwright contributing 15 just days after his dramatic exit on a medi-cab during the previous game. Fortunately, Cartwright returned unscathed, but the same couldn’t be said about the Stars’ scorecard.
Xavier Bartlett was the pick of the Heat bowlers, finishing with figures of 3-25, stifling the Stars with his accurate line and length.
Key Performances for the Stars:
- Sam Harper: 46 (bowled by Kuhnemann)
- Marcus Stoinis: 26 (power surge entertainment)
- Hilton Cartwright: 15 (a gutsy return)
The Stars limped to a total of 162 for 6, which felt 20-30 runs short on an MCG surface that had something for the batters.
Brisbane Heat’s Clinical Chase: Peirson and Bryant Take Control
If the Stars were hoping to make early inroads with the ball, Brisbane Heat’s openers had other ideas. The Heat’s chase was led by Jimmy Peirson, who anchored the innings with a masterful knock of 72 not out—his highest score in the BBL.
Peirson combined with Max Bryant for an unbeaten 78-run partnership, ensuring the chase never looked in doubt. Bryant’s aggressive 36 not out added flair, while Peirson’s calm and composed innings glued it all together.
The Heat reached the target of 163 with 11 balls to spare, leaving the Stars’ bowlers scratching their heads.
Key Moments in Heat’s Chase:
- Peirson’s Captain-Like Knock: Batting for the entire innings, he finished with 72* off 54 balls.
- Bryant’s Explosive Finish: His brisk 36 off 21 balls took the pressure off Peirson.
- Stars’ Fielding Woes: A lack of energy and few chances created left the Heat firmly in control.
Xavier Bartlett: The Unsung Hero
While Peirson will rightly hog the headlines, Xavier Bartlett was the real game-changer with the ball. His 3-25 spell broke the Stars’ backbone early on, ensuring they couldn’t push for a bigger total. Bartlett’s ability to mix his pace and target the right areas was key to Heat’s dominance.
Adding to the bowling effort, Matt Kuhnemann and others kept the Stars on a tight leash, never allowing them to break free.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
- Melbourne Stars: With two defeats in two games, the Stars are in desperate need of a turnaround. The good news? Glenn Maxwell has declared himself fit and ready for their clash against the Adelaide Strikers on Friday. Maxwell’s return could inject the energy and firepower the Stars are clearly lacking.
- Brisbane Heat: The defending champions are off to a flying start. They next face the Strikers on Sunday at the Gabba, and with Peirson, Bartlett, and Bryant in top form, they’ll look to extend their winning streak.
Match Summary
Brisbane Heat: 163 for 2 in 18.1 overs
- Jimmy Peirson: 72* (54)
- Max Bryant: 36* (21)
- Marcus Stoinis: 1-20
Melbourne Stars: 162 for 6 in 20 overs
- Sam Harper: 46 (Kuhnemann)
- Marcus Stoinis: 26
- Xavier Bartlett: 3-25
Result: Brisbane Heat won by 8 wickets.
Player of the Match: Jimmy Peirson
FAQs
Brisbane Heat defeated Melbourne Stars by 8 wickets in their opening BBL 2024-25 match.
Jimmy Peirson shined with an unbeaten 72 runs, while Xavier Bartlett impressed with bowling figures of 3-25.
Glenn Maxwell missed this game due to a hamstring injury but has declared himself fit to play against the Adelaide Strikers.
Brisbane Heat will face the Strikers on Sunday at the Gabba, while Melbourne Stars will take on the Strikers on Friday at Adelaide Oval.
Conclusion
In the Melbourne Stars vs Brisbane Heat clash, it was Brisbane Heat who showcased why they are the defending champions. Led by Jimmy Peirson’s brilliant 72 not out and Xavier Bartlett’s sharp bowling, the Heat completely outclassed the Stars.
For Melbourne, it’s now two losses in a row, and they must regroup quickly. With Glenn Maxwell’s return on the horizon, the Stars will be banking on their talisman to rescue their BBL campaign.
As for the Heat, their title defence is off to a perfect start, and if Peirson and company keep performing like this, they’ll be tough to stop. The Stars may have seen the Heat rise, but for now, they’ll have to wait to shine.
