Low on runs to start the tournament, Warner returned to form on Monday night with an unbeaten 86 from 57 balls to guide the Thunder to 4-156.Â
Wes Agar then claimed 4-32 to restrict the Renegades to 8-148, as the Thunder claimed their first win at their home ground of Engie Stadium in 734 days.
The result moved the Thunder to second on the BBL ladder behind cross-town rivals the Sixers, while the Renegades slip to third with a 2-2 record.
Melbourne's loss also came despite Will Sutherland pulling off what may well be the catch of the summer to dismiss Sam Billings (10), in what had loomed as a crucial moment in the game.
Fielding at mid on, Sutherland sprinted five metres to his right and jumped back towards the boundary to claim a one-handed hanger.
Making the catch even more impressive was that Billings had struck the ball hard and flat, leaving Sutherland little time to move and react.
Will Sutherland!— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) That Is RIDICULOUS 😱@BKTtires #GoldenMoment #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/ejROXY1O1zDecember 30, 2024
Billings' exit left the Thunder 4-87 in the 14th over, and struggling to post a competitive score.
But it was then that Warner took over.
After being 43 off 38 at the time of Billings' dismissal, the former Test opener 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 on his feet to instead switch-hit for six.
Another maximum came in the next over when he scooped quick Fergus O'Neil, before the left-hander then 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 10 seasons, but Monday's score was his highest since his return to BBL involvement in 2023.
David Warner's first BBL half-century since 2013! �— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) Things you love to see! #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/Uzjq8jamp3December 30, 2024
"I've felt good from the first game," Warner said.
"It was just about getting some momentum. I've had some unlucky dismissals.
"But I know it turns and you back your belief. It's about targetting straight, and if you do that other boundary opportunities come."
While Warner took control of the Thunder's innings to give them a 3-1 record to start the season, no-one could do similar for the 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.
Agar then broke the back of the Renegades, removing Mackenzie Harvey and Sutherland in successive balls.
And while Laurie Evans gave the Renegades some late hope, Agar had him caught behind on 40 to effectively kill off the chase at the end of the 18th over.
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