Ben McDermott’s Incredible One Handed Catch Of Finn Allen In The BBL 2024-25

The seventh match of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2024-25 was a thrilling contest between the Hobart Hurricanes and the Perth Scorchers at the picturesque Bellerive Oval in Hobart. In a game filled with gripping moments, it was a single act of brilliance by Hobart’s wicket-keeper batter Ben McDermott that stood out—a breathtaking one-handed catch that turned the tide early in the match. Complemented by an exceptional bowling performance by Riley Meredith, the Hurricanes secured a memorable win in front of their home crowd.

Ben McDermott’s One-Handed Marvel

The Perth Scorchers, known for their aggressive brand of cricket, began their innings with opener Finn Allen looking to set the tone. The first ball of the match showcased Allen’s intent as he punched a back-of-a-length delivery from Riley Meredith through mid-off for a boundary. The early aggression brought the Scorchers fans to life, but the Hurricanes had other plans.

On the very next delivery, Meredith delivered a length ball that nipped in slightly after pitching. Allen attempted a drive, but the ball took the inside edge of his bat and flew towards the left of McDermott behind the stumps. Reacting with lightning speed, McDermott flung himself to his left, extending his hand to complete an incredible one-handed catch.

The crowd erupted as McDermott celebrated the dismissal, with Allen walking back after scoring just 4 runs off 2 balls. The dismissal not only showcased McDermott’s athleticism but also provided an early breakthrough for the Hurricanes, setting the tone for the match.

Riley Meredith’s Spell of Fire

While McDermott’s catch stole the headlines, it was Riley Meredith’s scintillating bowling performance that anchored the Hurricanes’ dominance. Meredith, known for his raw pace and ability to extract bounce, delivered a spell that dismantled the Scorchers’ batting lineup.

Early Impact

Meredith started with the prized wicket of Allen in his first over, thanks to McDermott’s heroics. But the pacer was far from done. Returning for his second spell, Meredith struck again, this time dismissing Cooper Connolly with a sharp delivery that found the edge. Once again, McDermott was there to pouch the catch, further highlighting the duo’s synergy on the field.

Crucial Dismissal of Ashton Turner

The Hurricanes’ bowlers kept the Scorchers in check, but it was Meredith’s third wicket that truly swung the momentum in Hobart’s favor. Scorchers captain Ashton Turner, a proven match-winner, was starting to rebuild the innings when Meredith delivered a well-disguised slower ball. Turner mistimed his shot and holed out to deep mid-wicket, leaving the Scorchers reeling.

Fielding Excellence

Meredith’s contribution extended beyond his bowling. In a brilliant display of athleticism, he executed a direct hit to dismiss Scorchers’ wicket-keeper batter Josh Inglis, who was attempting a risky single. This run-out epitomized Hobart’s sharpness in the field and added to Meredith’s all-round impact on the game.

By the end of his spell, Meredith had remarkable figures of 3/25 in 4 overs, playing a pivotal role in restricting the Scorchers to a modest total.

Hobart’s All-Round Bowling Effort

While Meredith led the charge, he was ably supported by the Hurricanes’ bowling unit. Left-arm spinner Patrick Dooley was economical, conceding just 23 runs in his four overs and picking up a wicket. Nathan Ellis and Joel Paris also chipped in with disciplined bowling, ensuring that the Scorchers never found their rhythm.

The Scorchers managed to post a total of 139/8 in 20 overs, a score that seemed below par on the batting-friendly Bellerive Oval surface.

The Hurricanes’ Chase: McDermott Shines Again

With a modest target to chase, the Hurricanes’ batting lineup stepped up to the occasion. Caleb Jewell and Ben McDermott opened the innings, providing a solid start. Jewell played the aggressor’s role, smashing a quickfire 36 off 22 balls, while McDermott anchored the innings with a steady knock.

McDermott, riding high on confidence after his stunning catch, played a composed inning of 52 off 38 balls, laced with five boundaries and a six. His ability to rotate the strike and find the gaps ensured the Hurricanes were always in control of the chase.

Middle-order contributions from Tim David (29* off 16) and Asif Ali (18* off 10) sealed the deal for Hobart, as they chased down the target with 2.2 overs to spare, finishing at 140/4 in 17.4 overs.

Key Takeaways from the Match

Ben McDermott’s All-Round Brilliance
McDermott’s athleticism behind the stumps and his half-century with the bat made him the standout performer of the match. His one-handed catch was a defining moment that shifted the momentum in Hobart’s favor early on.
Riley Meredith’s Match-Winning Spell
Meredith’s fiery spell not only claimed crucial wickets but also set the tone for the Hurricanes’ dominance. His ability to mix pace and variations kept the Scorchers’ batters guessing throughout.
Hobart’s Fielding Excellence
From McDermott’s catch to Meredith’s direct hit, the Hurricanes’ fielding was a masterclass in agility and precision.
Perth Scorchers’ Batting Woes
Despite their strong reputation, the Scorchers’ batting lineup struggled against Hobart’s disciplined bowling. Lack of partnerships and poor shot selection cost them dearly.

What’s Next?

The Hobart Hurricanes’ comprehensive win against the Perth Scorchers not only bolstered their confidence but also showcased their credentials as serious title contenders in BBL 2024-25. With players like McDermott and Meredith in fine form, the Hurricanes will look to carry this momentum into their upcoming matches.

For the Perth Scorchers, this loss will serve as a wake-up call. While their bowling unit showed glimpses of brilliance, the batting lineup needs to step up if they are to stay competitive in the tournament.

The seventh match of the BBL 2024-25 was a spectacle that had everything fans could ask for—breathtaking fielding, fiery bowling, and composed batting. While the Perth Scorchers faltered, the Hobart Hurricanes capitalized on their opportunities, with Ben McDermott and Riley Meredith stealing the show.

As the tournament progresses, performances like these set the tone for what promises to be another exciting season of the Big Bash League.

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