Instead of fireworks, they produced a Big Bash League fizzer.
But former Black Caps captain Brendon McCullum is convinced Brisbane's feared "Bash Brothers" are still the Heat's sole match-winners, describing the rest of their batting line-up as a support act.
The heat is already on Brisbane's big hitting top three McCullum, captain Chris Lynn and Max Bryant after they fell early in a five-wicket loss to Adelaide Strikers in Wednesday's BBL opener.
And it seems, McCullum wouldn't have it any other way.
Brendon McCullum in action for the Brisbane Heat. Photo: Photosport
The former Black Caps superstar had no problem with the Heat innings hinging on the top three's fate, rejecting the notion their middle order should provide more spark.
"I am happy to be relied upon. That means we are going alright. But the fact is the top three in T20 are your match-winners," McCullum said.
"The other guys are very much a support act at times.
"But I think we have an exceptional batting line-up. We just got it wrong (against Adelaide).
"We will go alright in a game or two and then we will be talking about how dangerous this batting line-up is."
McCullum fell for four runs off two balls before Brisbane lost Lynn (33 off 20) and Bryant (22) within the first 10 overs as the Heat suffered a 7-23 collapse to be bowled out for 146.
McCullum, Australian limited-overs star Lynn and 19-year-old Bryant hope to learn their lessons and re-load for Saturday's BBL clash with Hobart Hurricanes on the Gold Coast.
"We were so keen to rip into the tournament. And you look at a white Gabba wicket and think this is a 230-type wicket ... but we probably pulled the trigger a bit early," McCullum said.
"But it's better to be too keen than not keen enough. We will learn that lesson.
"Our batting is not a problem. Now we have our first one out of the way I am sure we will settle."
What is expected to be a two-paced drop-in deck at Metricon Stadium may ensure the Heat's top three have no choice but to take a more conservative approach on Saturday.
"Metricon is going to be a different pitch," McCullum said.
"We had one hit-out in a warm-up game there where the pitch was considerably different to that of the Gabba so we are going to have to adjust pretty quickly.
"But it's important for us to bounce back."
-AAP
