Tim Ludeman smashed the fastest 50 in the BBL’s short history. Source: Getty Images

Ludeman (92 off 44 balls) crunched the fastest BBL half-century in 18 balls, as the Strikers bolted to an eight-wicket win in front of a record, opening game crowd of 27,425.

“It was great to have a win first up, great to get the ball rolling,” said Ludeman.

ANALYSIS: WARRNAMBOOL WICKIE UPSTAGES KP

Ironically, keeper-batsman Ludeman eclipsed opening partner Craig Simmons’ (30 off 15) record (50 off 20) last season for champion Perth Scorchers.

Former Stars veteran Brad Hodge (one) struck the winning run, but the night belonged to Ludeman as the hosts (2-149) chased down the target in just 12.3 overs.

Tim Ludeman acknowledges the applause for his breathtaking 50. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: News Corp Australia

The Strikers had never beaten nemesis the Stars, but the spirit of Phillip Hughes was again smiling on the home side at Adelaide Oval as Ludeman unleashed an extraordinary assault of clean hitting.

Ludeman led the way in a rollicking, 83-run opening stand with gun recruit Simmons.

Brad Hodge takes the catch to dismiss Cameron White. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: News Corp Australia

John Hastings (2-31) claimed Simmons and Travis Head (22), but that was the only joy for Melbourne Stars.

Ludeman cracked nine boundaries and five over the fence, opening in place of fallen batsman Hughes, who was given a standing ovation after a moving pre-match “forever a Striker” tribute.

The Strikers had decided to target Clive Rose (0-36), with Ludeman clubbing dual sixes in three balls off the young spinner.

Glenn Maxwell and Luke Wright collide as the latter takes the catch to dismiss Craig Simmons. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: News Corp Australia

Pietersen top scored with 66 in the Stars innings in a sparkling addendum to his Adelaide Ashes knocks of 158 (2006), 227 (2010) and 53 (2013).

While the England and Wales Cricket Board cited a late night, pre-Test drinking session for ending his Test career, the talisman still harbours dreams of a recall for the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Kevin Pietersen smashed 66 in his debut for the Melbourne Stars. Source: Getty Images

Pietersen struck successive sixes off Kieron Pollard in the 11th over in a timely reminder of the irresistible potency that he believes can sustain him for “another four years” at the top level.

“Somebody told me the England selectors were meeting so hopefully they had a screen on,” said Pietersen.

Melbourne Stars players leave the field after losing to the Adelaide Strikers. Source: Getty Images

The Stars were restricted to 148 by a Strikers attack constantly turned over by skipper Johan Botha and utilising change of pace that stopped the visiting batsman settling.

The DRS void that has marred Australia’s Border-Gavaskar Test series extended into the T20 format, with Glenn Maxell given out caught behind reverse sweeping to impressive Adam Zampa (1-21).