Roof collapse causes cancellation of Sydney Sixers v Sydney Thunder BBL match, fans evacuated
In an unfortunate incident in the 2024-25 Big Bash League, the roof partially collapsed during a match between Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder at the Sydney Cricket Ground. However, no one was harmed after this incident.
The incident occurred before kickoff when a piece of vinyl flooring in the O’Reilly Stand came loose and flapped violently due to high winds. Because of this, the roof collapsed, and fans were immediately evacuated from the area.
Watch: Roof collapses at SCG during BBL 2024-25 match
part of the roof that fell off at the SCG is a good start #bbl14 pic.twitter.com/xjdUM15Jqu
— BAS Luke (@BASLuke123530) January 17, 2025
Following the collapse, New South Wales (NSW) released a statement detailing the collapse. The statement further claims that inspections were carried out before the match and that further inspections are being carried out due to the recent incident.
“During the night’s high winds and storms, a piece of vinyl flooring from the O’Reilly Stand came loose and was identified by venue staff,” NSW said according to The Indian Express.
“Staff immediately evacuated visitors from the area to ensure their safety. After the area was cleaned, a piece of vinyl backing came off. Two places to sit were cleaned, and the visitors were given seats on the second stand,” the press release added.
The match between Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder was interrupted due to rain
The match was affected by rain and had to be abandoned with only 5.1 overs scored. The Sydney Sixers won the toss and took the field first. The match was stopped after only 1.4 overs due to rain.
The match resumed after a 15-minute delay, but was reduced to 19-overs. The match was later stopped after 5.1 overs were scored and could not be restarted due to incessant rain and strong winds in Sydney.
Sydney Thunder were 36-1 in 5.1 overs when the match was stopped and had to be finished at that scoreline. By the time play was called off, Sydney Thunders captain David Warner was batting on 22 off just 14 balls with 3 fours and 1 six already to his name.
Young Hugh Weibgen batted alongside him. Sam Konstas, Australia’s latest sensation in Test cricket, opened the batting with David Warner but was dismissed cheaply for just 9 off 14 deliveries. Konstas was removed by pacer Jack Edwards.
It should be noted that two of Australia’s star cricketers of the last decade David Warner and Steve Smith faced each other in this match. As a result, it was one of the most anticipated games of the season.
Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Sixers have qualified for the playoffs
The scoreboard did not undergo too many changes after the break of this game. Sydney Sixers remained in second place with 6 wins and 2 losses, while Sydney Thunder is third with 5 wins and 3 losses.
After the game was suspended, the Sydney Sixers secured a place in the playoffs along with the Hobart Hurricanes. The Hurricanes are the best team of the season with 7 wins and 1 loss and are quite comfortably in pole position.
