Nathan Ellis, Chennai Super Kings’ recruit for the IPL 2025 took one of the greatest catches in BBL 14. The stunning grab came during the BBL clash between the Hobart Hurricanes and the Adelaide Strikers.
A Catch That Defied Belief
In the 10th over, the Strikers were pursuing their target, and Matthew Short was attacking fiercely against the Hurricanes. Positioned at mid-off, Ellis had a different strategy. Waqar Salamkheil delivered a high, slow ball. Short moved forward to strike it powerfully but mistimed his swing. The ball soared high, and Ellis initially misjudged its trajectory, causing him to run backwards.Â
Nevertheless, he remained focused on the ball. As it came down, Ellis leapt up and caught it with both hands while falling to the ground. The crowd erupted in amazement at the spectacular catch, which handed the Hurricanes a vital advantage and shifted the game’s momentum in their favour.Â
Hobart’s Commanding Total Sets the Stage
Earlier in the match, Hobart posted a commanding total of 214/5, with Ben McDermott leading the charge. McDermott’s dazzling 68 off 34 balls included three sixes, and he broke his bat after hitting the second maximum. After taping it up, McDermott continued to unleash powerful shots, helping Hobart post the only 200-plus total of the season and the fourth-highest score in the team’s history. Despite losing early wickets—Mitchell Owen (8) and Caleb Jewell (22)—the Hurricanes were propelled by McDermott and Tim David (33), who added 88 runs in the last six overs.
The Strikers, led by Overton’s 2-27, fought back with some key breakthroughs, but Hobart’s impressive fielding and explosive batting made it difficult for Adelaide to catch up.
Strikers’ Big Push Comes Up Short
In response, the Strikers got off to a flying start, with Captain Matt Short (52) and D’Arcy Short (41) putting on a blistering 76-run partnership. Ollie Pope added 39, and Overton contributed with a quick-fire 30 not out. However, the Strikers couldn’t keep up with the mounting run rate.
When Matt Short reached his 14th BBL half-century with a massive six, it looked like the Strikers might pull off a thrilling chase. But then came Ellis’ remarkable catch that sent Short back to the dressing room and shifted the match in Hobart’s favour.
A Series of Stunning Fielding Efforts
The Strikers’ chase continued to unravel as Tim David took a stunning flying catch to dismiss Alex Ross (8), and Ollie Pope fell tamely to a reverse ramp shot off Chris Jordan. It seemed as if the Hurricanes’ fielding and bowling were always a step ahead.
The final blow came when Overton tried to reduce the damage with a flurry of boundaries, but it wasn’t enough. The Strikers finished at 203/6, falling short by 11 runs.
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