WATCH: Doug Warren’s ice-cold celebration after Sam Billings’ dismissal in Eliminator BBL|14
In an eliminator match Big Bash League (BBL) | 14 between Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Starsfans at the Sydney Showground Stadium were treated to unforgettable moments in the first innings of the match. Among the highlights of the game was a special celebration by the Melbourne Stars spinner Doug Warren after taking the crucial wicket of the Sydney Thunder wicketkeeper-batter Sam Billings.
Doug Warren’s Ice Cold Celebration
The wicket came in the 12th over of Sydney Thunder’s innings. Warren provided a crucial moment with his sharp spin as he dismissed Billings for 24 runs (off 25 balls). Billings, who was the main striker for the Thunder, was crucial to his side and his dismissal was a blow to their hopes of a significant total. It was the reverse move that led to Billings’ downfall.
Despite good contact with the ball, he unintentionally hit it straight in Tom Curranplaced on a deep posterior point. The catch was well taken by Curran, who took the low catch without any trouble. Billings’ departure left the Thunder upset while the Stars celebrated their progress. Billings’ score included four boundaries, but it wasn’t enough to keep him in the middle for long.
Here is the video:
Ice cold celebration 🥶
Doug Warren is PUMPED with this Sam Billings wicket. #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/fJhEPRQxM1
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 22, 2025
Also READ: Twitter reactions: Hobart Hurricanes march into finals after win over Sydney Sixers in BBL|14 qualifier
Tom Curran’s early strike: David Warner goes for a duck
Earlier in the match, Melbourne Stars bowler Curran left his mark in the first over of the Thunder’s innings. The stars had an ideal start when David Warnerone of the biggest threats in the Thunder’s lineup, was sacked for a duck. Warner, known for his aggressive style, was caught by the skipper Marcus Stoinis after trying to clip Curran’s delivery.
The ball appeared to stop on Warner, leaving him unable to control the shot, which went straight into the hands of Stoinis at cover. Warner’s early wicket sent shockwaves through the Thunder camp and the Stars were delighted to get rid of such a dangerous player so quickly. It was an inspired decision by the Stars management to have Curran bowl the first over, a move that paid off immediately.
It’s a duck for David Warner!
Tom Curran hits in the first over for @ZvijezdeBBL. #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/V4yqLuAl3b
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 22, 2025
Curran strikes again
As the Thunder tried to recover, Curran returned to bowl in the 18th over, this time striking once more to dismiss Oliver Davies for 36 (from 35 balls). Davies played a key role in keeping the Thunder’s innings alive with two boundaries and a six, but his departure came at a crucial time.
Curran bowled a slower ball off the back of the hand, which fell full length and completely fooled Davies. Unaware of the slower delivery, Davies went for a high shot but mishit it, sending the ball straight to long off, where Peter Handscomb he made no mistake in completing the catch.
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