In the 14th match of the Big Bash League 2024-25 (BBL) between the Melbourne Stars and Sydney Thunder, cricket fans were treated to a spectacular bowling performance by Usama Mir. The right-arm leg-spinner from the Melbourne Stars produced a jaw-dropping moment in the 6th over of Sydney Thunder’s innings, dismissing Cameron Bancroft and Oliver Davies on consecutive deliveries, setting the tone for a riveting contest at the Manuka Oval in Canberra.
Back-to-back strikes by Usama Mir
Bancroft, looking confident, fell victim to Mir’s clever delivery. Attempting a risky reverse-sweep on a very full-length ball, Bancroft misjudged the shot entirely. The ball snuck through and crashed into the off-stump, leaving Bancroft bowled and the crowd in awe. Bancroft departed after a well-made 21 off 16 balls, including two fours and a six, marking a crucial breakthrough for the Stars.
Mir wasn’t done yet. On the very next delivery, he claimed his second wicket in dramatic fashion. Tossing the ball up enticingly on off-stump, Mir drew Davies into an ambitious drive towards long-on. The ball dipped sharply, forcing Davies into a mistimed shot that looped in the air. Displaying incredible athleticism, Mir dived to his right to complete a stunning caught-and-bowled dismissal. Davies was sent back for a golden duck, leaving the Sydney Thunder stunned. The moment nearly slipped as the ball briefly wobbled in Mir’s grasp, but he held on, sealing his “two-in-two” magic.
Here is the video:
2 balls, 2 wickets 😮
Usama Mir claims Bancroft & Davies with back-to-back deliveries! 🇵🇰 @BKTtires #GoldenMoment #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/7YwfD4PJOg
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 28, 2024
Also READ: BBL|14 [Twitter reactions]: Ben McDermott’s fiery knock propels Hobart Hurricanes to victory over Adelaide Strikers in a high-scoring thriller
Sam Billings shines for Sydney Thunder
Despite the early setback caused by Mir’s brilliance, Sydney Thunder managed to post a competitive total of 182/8 in 20 overs, thanks to a scintillating knock by wicketkeeper-batter Sam Billings. The Englishman smashed a superb 72 off 39 balls, featuring nine fours and two towering sixes at an extraordinary strike rate of 184.62. Billings’ innings provided the backbone for Thunder’s effort, setting a challenging target of 183 runs for the Melbourne Stars. In response, the Stars could only able to reach 164/8, losing the game by 18 runs.
Also READ: BBL 2024-25: Nick Hobson shines as Perth Scorchers cruise to a 33-run win over Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League
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