Opener Joe Clarke has posted his first BBL century, setting up the Melbourne Stars' convincing 38-run win over the Hobart Hurricanes.
The English import made the Hurricanes pay dearly for a missed chance in the opening over, belting an unbeaten 101 from 66 balls as the Stars scored 5-183 on Friday at the MCG.
The Hurricanes were never in the hunt and were restricted to 9-145 in their 20 overs.
Clarke's ton, featuring nine fours and four sixes, is also the first century of the 12th BBL season.
Marcus Stoinis, who played with COVID-19 in Melbourne's season-opening loss to the Sydney Thunder earlier this week, made a second-ball duck and then did not field as he continues to struggle with ill health.
Clarke passed his previous BBL best of 85 with a towering six off Nathan Ellis and belted another six off Ellis in the last over to move to 99, reaching his century on the next delivery.
He was on one in the first over when Shadab Khan grassed a hot chance at short third man off Joel Paris' bowling.
The Stars used their first home game of the season to honour key foundation player Shane Warne.
The cricketing legend, whose favourite number was 23, was given a standing ovation after the 23rd ball of the game.
The Stars have also retired his No.23 shirt in the wake of his sudden death on March 4.
After winning the toss in their season-opening game, the Hurricanes were on the back foot for much of the Stars innings and lacked polish in the field.
Clarke's innings featured a rare five, thanks to an overthrow.
Beau Webster's cameo knock of 24 at No.3 featured a monster six that reached the third tier of the grandstand at square leg.
Hobart steadily lost wickets and never looked like mounting a serious challenge to Melbourne's hefty score.
Adam Zampa snared 3-27 from his four overs and Luke Wood also picked up 3-25.
After running out Nick Larkin with a sharp throw, Hurricanes captain and wicketkeeper Matthew Wade top-scored with 35 from as many balls.
It followed the massive 106-run win over Hobart in the Stars' season-ending game last summer, when they scored a BBL-record 2-273 at he MCG and Glenn Maxwell hit the competition's highest score of 154no.
