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In the first innings of the Big Bash League (BBL)|14 final, the home team Hobart Hurricanes faced off against Sydney Thunder at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart.
Fans filled the stands to witness an electrifying bowling performance from the Hurricanes’ Riley Meredith in the first innings. The game saw Meredith’s brilliant bowling at a pivotal stage, where he picked up three key wickets, including that of Thunders’ wicketkeeper-batter Sam Billings.
Riley Meredith’s scorching yorker sends Sam Billings back
In the 15th over of Sydney Thunder’s innings, Meredith made a spectacular impact by dismissing their wicketkeeper Billings. The delivery, a scorching yorker, was perfectly executed. Meredith, who was brought back into the attack, immediately justified his inclusion. The ball was full, fast, and aimed straight at the base of the stumps. It tailed in slightly, screaming past Billings’ bat as he attempted to jam it down on the ball after making room. Billings failed to make contact, and the stumps were shattered. The crowd erupted in excitement as Meredith delivered a crucial breakthrough, sending Billings back to the pavilion for 20 runs off 14 balls, including 1 four and 1 six.
Here is the video:
Oh yeah, Riley Meredith 🔥
That is a beauty to knock over Sam Billings. #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/sp6KkivCyE
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 27, 2025
Also WATCH: George Garton takes a blinder to dismiss Moises Henriques in the Challenger game of the BBL|14
Two in two: Meredith’s bowling brilliance continues
Meredith’s brilliance continued as he claimed another wicket in the 19th over. This time, it was Oliver Davies, who succumbed to the mounting pressure. A slower, short ball outside off stump saw Davies attempt to swat it towards deep square leg. However, he couldn’t get the elevation required, and the ball was hit flat and hard towards the waiting Ben McDermott in the deep. McDermott made an easy catch, and the Thunder lost another wicket at a critical stage. Davies, who had scored 26 runs off 19 balls, including 1 four and 1 six.
The very next ball, Meredith made it two wickets in two balls, as he dismissed George Garton for a golden duck. Garton attempted to hit a slower length delivery back down the ground, but he mistimed it, and the ball sailed straight to Tim David at long-on, who took the catch with ease. Meredith’s incredible death bowling had left the Sydney Thunder in disarray. Meredith completing his spell with 3 wickets for just 27 runs in 4 overs.
Nathan Ellis’ performance with the ball
Despite Meredith’s heroics, the Sydney Thunder managed to set a competitive total. They finished their innings at 182/7, with opener Jason Sangha leading the charge. Sangha played a brilliant knock, scoring 67 runs off 42 balls, which included 5 fours and 2 sixes. His performance provided a fighting total for the Thunder, but they were always under pressure after Meredith’s stunning spell.
Alongside Meredith, Hurricanes’ captain Nathan Ellis also shone with the ball. Ellis, known for his consistency, took 3 crucial wickets, helping to tighten the Hurricanes’ grip on the final. His leadership and performance were vital as the Hurricanes worked together to restrict the Thunder’s batting lineup. As the Sydney Thunder’s innings came to an end, the Hurricanes now face the task of chasing down 183 runs to win the title.
