Updated February 09, 2019 10:55:25

Photo: Ben Cutting (right) and Max Bryant hit 13 sixes all up as the Brisbane Heat smashed the Melbourne Stars by 10 wickets. (AAP: Dave Hunt)

Brisbane Heat have unearthed a new set of "Bash Brothers" with enough firepower to rival the originals as they crushed Melbourne Stars by 10 wickets to keep alive their BBL finals hopes.

On a night when the Gabba crowd farewelled departing star Brendon McCullum — one half of a brutal batting partnership with Chris Lynn — Heat openers Max Bryant and Ben Cutting combined for a 158-run unbroken partnership.

Veteran Cutting smashed the second-fastest half century (17 deliveries) in BBL history in his knock of 81 not out.

Youngster Bryant (71 not out) was almost as savage in a dazzling show of power hitting.

McCullum and Lynn applauded from the dugout, not facing a ball as Brisbane passed the Stars' 8-156 in the 10th over without losing a wicket.

The crushing win provided a welcome boost for the Heat's net run rate and they now must sweat over remaining results this round to see if they make the top four cut.

Photo: The Heat's Ben Cutting hit the second fastest 50 in Big Bash League history, reaching his half-century in just 17 balls on his way to 81. (AAP: Dave Hunt)

Barring some batting fireworks from the Stars' Marcus Stoinis (80 off 51, everything went right for the desperate Heat.

Starting with the cheap dismissals of internationals Peter Handscomb (1) and Glenn Maxwell (5), the Heat made the win look easy despite the summer of Stoinis continuing.

Opening the innings against the Heat, Stoinis played a lone hand and it was a knock of class and brutality.

Heat captain Lynn rotated his bowlers frequently but Stoinis was never hurried at any stage and barely gave the home side a chance.

In the end, it was Stoinis who brought about his own downfall when he was run out trying to push the run rate in the 18th over.

There were mighty blows and moments of touch from Stoinis, whose half century followed recent scores of 49, 43, 53 and 70.

Had the Australian limited overs star had more assistance at the other end, the Stars could have posted a more intimidating total.

Left-arm quick Josh Lalor finished with 3-42 and gave Brisbane the perfect start when he removed two of the most dangerous weapons in his second over.

AAP

Topics: sport, cricket, twenty20, brisbane-4000, qld, melbourne-3000, vic, australia

First posted February 09, 2019 10:28:47