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In the eliminator match of the Big Bash League (BBL) | 14 between Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Stars, fans at the Sydney Showground Stadium were treated to some unforgettable moments in the first innings of the game. Among the standout events of the game was a special celebration by Melbourne Stars spinner Doug Warren after taking the crucial wicket of Sydney Thunder’s wicketkeeper-batter Sam Billings.
Doug Warren’s ice-cold celebration
The wicket came in the 12th over of the Sydney Thunder innings. Warren, with his sharp spin, delivered a pivotal moment when he dismissed Billings for 24 runs (off 25 balls). Billings, who had been the set batter for Thunder, was crucial for his side, and his dismissal was a blow to their hopes of posting a substantial total. It was the reverse sweep that led to Billings’ downfall.
Despite making good contact with the ball, he inadvertently hit it straight to Tom Curran, stationed at deep backward point. The catch was well-executed by Curran, who took a low catch without any fuss. Billings’ departure left the Thunder reeling as the Stars celebrated their breakthrough. Billings’ score included four boundaries, but it was not enough to keep him in the middle longer.
Here is the video:
Ice cold celebration 🥶
Doug Warren is PUMPED with this wicket of Sam Billings. #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/fJhEPRQxM1
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 22, 2025
Also READ: Twitter reactions: Hobart Hurricanes march into the final after defeating 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 made his mark in the very first over of the Thunder innings. The Stars had an ideal start when David Warner, one of the biggest threats in the Thunder lineup, was dismissed for a duck. Warner, known for his aggressive style, was caught by skipper Marcus Stoinis after attempting a cut shot off Curran’s delivery.
The ball appeared to have stopped on Warner, leaving him unable to control the shot, which went straight into the hands of Stoinis at cover. The early wicket of Warner sent shockwaves through the Thunder camp, and the Stars were ecstatic to have gotten rid of such a dangerous player so quickly. It was an inspired decision from the Stars’ management to have Curran bowl the first over, a move that paid immediate dividends.
It's a duck for David Warner!
Tom Curran strikes in the first over for the @StarsBBL. #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 (off 35 balls). Davies had played a key role in keeping the Thunder’s innings alive with two boundaries and a six, but his departure came at a crucial juncture.
Curran bowled a clever back-of-the-hand slower ball, which dipped on a full length and completely deceived Davies. Unaware of the slower delivery, Davies went for a lofted shot but mistimed it, sending the ball straight to long-off, where Peter Handscomb made no mistake in completing the catch.
