Tim Seifert smashed the first century of the BBL season as Melbourne Renegades secured a strong opening win, defeating Brisbane Heat by 14 runs in a high-scoring contest. On a batting-friendly surface, Renegades posted 212 for 5, a total Heat were never able to seriously threaten despite late resistance.
Seifert stole the spotlight with a blistering 102 off 56 balls, becoming only the second Renegades player after Aaron Finch to score a BBL hundred. He was well supported by Oliver Peake’s rapid 57 off 29, as the pair added a decisive 121-run stand that powered Renegades to their highest total at the venue.
Much of the pre-match attention was on Pakistan stars Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan, but both endured difficult BBL debuts. Afridi was removed from the attack for dangerous bowling after delivering multiple waist-high full tosses, finishing with 0 for 43 from 2.4 overs, while Rizwan managed just 4 off 10 balls before holing out.
Chasing 213, Brisbane Heat never fully recovered from a sluggish start. Colin Munro (55) and Jimmy Peirson (50) added some respectability to the chase, but regular wickets, including Will Sutherland’s 3 for 33, ensured the target remained out of reach.
The win gives Renegades early momentum in the season, capitalising on a Heat side missing key bowlers and still searching for rhythm after last year’s disappointing title defence.
