Outstanding Munro stranded

Former Black Cap Colin Munro bludgeoned traditional slow starters the Brisbane Heat to a statement 103-run victory in the Big Bash League opener against the Melbourne Stars.

The South African-born New Zealand opener slugged an unbeaten 99 off 61 balls on Thursday at the Gabba to help propel the Heat to their biggest BBL win. Munro was denied a century when, after knocking a single, Max Bryant hit the final three balls of the innings for four.

BBL journeyman Munro – who scored three T20I centuries in his time with the Black Caps, with the last of his internationals being in 2020 – helped the Heat pile on 214-3. They then restricted the Stars to 111.

The Heat have historically battled early in BBL seasons before finishing with a flourish.