‘Huge knock’: New Zealand international Colin Munro smacks record-breaking century

Perth Scorchers import Colin Munro has rewritten the history books, setting a new franchise record in the Big Bash League.

Colin Munro of the Scorchers. Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

New Zealand international Colin Munro has steered the Perth Scorchers to a comfortable 49-run victory over the Adelaide Strikers with his maiden Big Bash League century.

The 34-year-old smacked an unbeaten 114 from 73 balls in front of empty stands at Sydney Showground on Saturday evening, setting a new Scorchers record for the highest individual score — the previous best was Craig Simmons’ 112 against the Sydney Sixers in February 2014.

Watch every game of the KFC Big Bash League Live & On-Demand on Kayo or catch up for FREE with minis on Kayo Freebies. Join Kayo Now >

Munro and opening batter Cameron Bancroft combined for a 132-run stand, the fourth-largest partnership in Scorchers history, as the men in orange registered a team total of 195/1 — the franchise’s highest score outside of Western Australia.

“It’s one of those innings where I don’t think I’ve ever faced a white ball that moved that much so it was tough at the start,” Munro told Fox Cricket.

“It was just a sigh of relief (reaching triple figures), sometimes I can throw it away.

“It’s funny how things turn, one or two good shots and you’re away.

“I reckon it’s probably one of my best, to be honest. When you’ve got to fight like that and really scratch around and bat the full 20 overs, it’s really pleasing.

“Especially for someone like me who just wants to go out there and smash it from the start, I showed a little bit more maturity and that word doesn’t go too much with me.”

Colin Munro of the Scorchers. Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

He struggled to find the middle of the bat early in the entertaining knock, at one stage being 21 off 31 balls, before accelerating after the 10-over mark.

Munro was aided by a couple of dropped catches and some questionable umpiring decisions, but the left-hander made sure not to waste those extra lives.

Highest BBL scores by a Perth Scorchers player

114* (73) — Colin Munro vs AS, Dec 2021

112 (58) — Craig Simmons vs SS, Feb 2014

105* (60) — Michael Klinger vs MR, Dec 2014

102 (41) — Craig Simmons vs AS, Jan 2014

Colin Munro is a seriously great import without the fanfare. @ScorchersBBL 🔥🏏 #BBL

— Tim Gossage 🤓 (@TimGossage) December 11, 2021

Rode his luck, but huge knock from Munro.#BBL11

— Sam Tomlin (@SamTomlin539) December 11, 2021

Century for Munro! Excellent century for him, maiden one in BBL! Top class effort.

— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) December 11, 2021

In response, the Strikers were bowled out for 146 with Andrew Tye and Jason Behrendorff snaring three wickets each.

Matthew Short top-scored for the Strikers with 63 off 47 balls, his knock featuring four boundaries and two sixes.

The Scorchers will next face the Hobart Hurricanes at Blundstone Arena on Tuesday evening, with the first ball scheduled for 7.15pm AEDT.