Sydney Thunder 156 for 4 (Warner 86*; Richardson 1-24) beat Melbourne Renegades 148 for 8 (Evans 40; Agar 4-32, Sams 2-26)

Billings' exit left the Thunder 87 for 4 in the 14th over, and struggling to post a competitive score.

But that was when Warner took over.

After being 43 off 38 at the time of Billings' dismissal, Warner hit his next 43 runs from 19 balls as he became more inventive and more powerful. His best shot came when he went to reverse-sweep Adam Zampa, realised the ball was too short, and then steadied himself on his feet to instead switch-hit for six.

Another maximum came in the next over when he scooped quick Fergus O'Neill, before he switch-hit the next ball for four.

Warner scored the first BBL century in the second game played in the competition back in 2011-12. He played only three games across the first ten seasons, but Monday's score was his highest since his return to BBL involvement in 2023.

While Warner took control of the Thunder innings to give them a 3-1 record to start the season, no-one could do similar for Stars. Josh Brown was dropped twice before falling for 22, while fellow opener Jake Fraser-McGurk faced 27 balls for his 26 before spooning one back to Chris Green.