In an unusual turn of events during the 10th match of the Big Bash League 2024-25, a strange incident occurred at the Marvel Stadium (formerly known as Docklands Stadium) in Melbourne. The match featured Melbourne Renegades facing off against Perth Scorchers, and it was during the 10th over of the Scorchers’ innings that the game took an unexpected twist.
Ball hits the stadium roof
While bowling to Perth’s top-order batter Cooper Connolly, Melbourne Renegades’ right-arm medium-fast bowler Kane Richardson delivered a slower-length ball outside off stump. Connolly attempted to slog the ball through the on-side but mistimed the shot, sending the ball high into the air. In an extraordinary sequence, the ball hit the roof of the stadium, causing an instant interruption.
Richardson, who had hoped to take a one-handed catch, reacted quickly but was unable to secure the catch, instead injuring his hand in the process. As per the rules of the tournament, if the ball strikes the roof and the bowler manages to take a one-handed catch, the batter will be dismissed. However, since Richardson dropped the catch, the umpire called the delivery a dead ball, leaving Connolly to continue his innings.
Here is the video:
That one hit the roof 👀#BBL14 pic.twitter.com/1LZqOtIHTs
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 23, 2024
Despite the bizarre incident, Connolly’s performance with the bat was the highlight of the Scorchers’ innings. The 21-year-old batter played a brilliant knock of 66 runs off 50 balls, which included one four and six towering sixes. His remarkable innings was the only substantial contribution to Perth’s total, as no other batter managed to make a significant impact. Connolly’s innings came at a strike rate of 132.00, and he was the only player from his team to score a half-century in the match.
Also READ: Cooper Connolly’s knock in vain as Perth Scorchers lose to Melbourne Renegades in BBL|14 thriller
Melbourne Renegades chase down the target in thrilling finish
After being asked to bat first, the Perth Scorchers posted a modest total of 143 for the loss of eight wickets in their 20 overs. Apart from Connolly, no other batter could provide the necessary support, with wickets falling at regular intervals. The Renegades’ bowlers, led by Tom Rogers, kept the Scorchers’ scoring under control. Rogers was the standout performer with the ball, taking three crucial wickets in his four-over spell.
In response, Melbourne Renegades set out to chase down the target of 144 runs at the end of the 19th overs. The Renegades were kept under pressure throughout the chase, losing wickets steadily, but managed to get over the line with two wickets to spare. The highest run-scorer for the Renegades was Jacob Bethell, who made 30 runs, anchoring the chase with valuable contributions. Rogers’ outstanding bowling spell, played a crucial role in restricting the Scorchers to a below-par total. As a result, Rogers was deservedly named the Player of the Match for his contribution with both the ball and in helping the Renegades clinch a thrilling two-wicket win.
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