Rashid Khan bamboozled Brisbane Heat and Alex Carey blasted a rapid half-century as Adelaide Strikers started the defence of its Big Bash League title with a five-wicket victory.
Afghanistan spinner Rashid played a key role in the Strikers' triumph last season and he starred again in the first game of the tournament at the Gabba, which included a run-out farce on Wednesday.
Man-of-the-match Rashid took 3-19, while new signing Matthew Short (2-14) and the expensive Billy Stanlake (2-50) claimed two wickets apiece to restrict the Heat to 146 all out - captain Chris Lynn top scoring with 33.
The Heat lost eight wickets for 51 runs before 17-year-old debutant Mujeeb Ur Rahman made 27 in a last-wicket stand of 45 with Jimmy Peirson (24 not out from 13 balls).
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An excellent knock from Carey set the Strikers well on its way to a winning start, the wicketkeeper-batsman making 70 from only 46 deliveries.
James Pattinson - adjudged to be run out but called back by the Strikers after he clearly made his ground - was the pick of the Heat bowlers with 2-23, but Jono Wells (24no) hit the winning run from the first ball of the final over to seal a comfortable win.
RASHID CARRIES ON WHERE HE LEFT OFF
Rashid excelled in his maiden BBL and looks set to make a big impact for the holder.
The 20-year-old tweaker conceded 10 from his first over as Lynn flexed his muscles, but normal service was resumed as he kept it tight in his second.
Rashid picked up the wicket of Ben Cutting before removing Mark Steketee and Mitchell Swepson in the same over as the Heat collapsed.
Lynn struck two sixes and found the ropes four times after Brendon McCullum was caught by Carey attempting a big hit from the second ball of the match after dispatching the first from Stanlake for four.
PATTINSON UNSURE IF HE'S COMING OR GOING
Confusion reigned when Pattinson was given out by the third umpire after diving to make a single.
The on-field umpires looked as confused as anyone when 'out' flashed up on the screen despite replays showing Pattinson's bat was clearly grounded beyond the line.
Pattinson remained in the middle but walked off following a lengthy wait after the decision was confirmed.
The Heat seamer was then summoned to continue his innings after the Strikers withdrew its appeal, but could only make four before he was stumped by Carey off Short in the next over.
CAREY CUTS LOOSE
The Heat was in need of early wickets defending a modest total, but Carey did not take long to get his eye in.
Afghanistan spinner Mujeeb was denied a maiden BBL wicket in his first over when Max Bryant dropped Jake Weatherald at long-on before Carey set about Steketee.
The left-hander launched Steketee for two sixes down the ground in a fifth over which cost 19 runs and pulled Joe Burns for another maximum in the next over.
Carey hit four sixes and five fours in a destructive knock and the Strikers were well on its way to victory by the time he was bowled by Swepson (1-27) in the 14th over.
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