It was hyped as Steve Smith going head to head with his former deputy David Warner in the battle of cricket's banned stars in the Global T20 league in Canada.
But it quickly fizzled out as Smith and Warner were both dismissed cheaply without much fanfare.
Instead of hitting explosive boundaries, the star batsmen - currently serving 12-month bans from international and domestic first-class cricket for ball-tampering - made only brief appearances in the middle at the Maple Leaf Cricket Club.
Smith fell victim to the unpredictable bounce and was one of three wickets to fall within seven balls.
He also had the displeasure of being belted for four sixes in one over by West Indian Dwayne Bravo.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Warner faced just two balls before being run out for one to register yet another failure - he now has six runs from three innings in the competition.
But Winnipeg coach and former Pakistan Test captain Waqar Younis came to his rescue.
"It's not an easy pitch to bat on and when you're making a comeback after months," Younis said.
"It's just not easy, but we're behind (Warner) and we want him to perform but he will be okay.
"Yes, today the odd ball was jumping around and the cutters are more useful, but you've got to be smart as a team."
Smith, the world's top-ranked Test batsman, was caught in the gully.
After Smith's first match of the Global T20 Canada on Thursday, he remarked, ""when I saw the wicket I thought, today will be interesting."
All 22 matches of the tournament are being played on the one square at Maple Leaf, which raises safety concerns with the final not until July 15.
"Hopefully it will get better; I hope so," Younis said.
Winnipeg won the match by 56 runs after batting first. The Hawks made 165 with West Indians Lendl Simmons (44) and Bravo (41) top scoring.
Winnipeg are 2-1 for the tournament while Toronto are 1-2.
