Melbourne Stars marquee man Kevin Pietersen made an instant imprint but Adelaide Strikers' Tim Ludeman left a lasting one with the fastest half-century in Big Bash League history on Thursday night.
Ludeman clubbed a half-century from just 18 balls in the Strikers' eight-wicket trouncing of the Stars in the tournament opener at Adelaide Oval.
After Pietersen top-scored with 66 in the Stars' 7-148, Adelaide reached their target from just 12.3 overs with Ludeman unbeaten on 92 from 44 balls.
Ludeman broke the BBL record for the fastest half-ton of 20 balls set by Craig Simmons, the Strikers' new recruit who watched from the other end.
The pair blasted an 83-run opening stand from just 5.3 overs with Simmons making 30 from 15 balls but appearing pedestrian compared to his partner.
Ludeman cracked four sixes and five fours in reaching his half-century. He ended with nine fours and five sixes.
Ludeman's onslaught was the game-breaker after Pietersen took centre stage during Melbourne's innings.
The Englishman, wearing a camera on his helmet and microphone around his neck on his BBL debut, smacked four sixes in his 46-ball knock.
The controversial Pietersen remains on the outer with English cricket hierarchy, despite still harbouring a desire to extend his international career.
And his classy innings prompted ex-England captain Michael Vaughan to use social media to plump for Pietersen's return to the fold for the 50-over World Cup starting next February.
"A lad called Kevin playing in Aussie could improve @ECB_cricket World Cup Chances..... #justsaying," Vaughan posted on Twitter.
Ludeman was stunned by his sensational innings.
"Who knows what is possible," he said.
"It's great to get off to a win and have a win for our fans first up, hopefully this drags more people through the gate next game."
Some 27,425 people attended the series opener.
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