Watch: David Warner pulls off a jaw-dropping catch at mid-off in BBL 2024-25 challenger

Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder are currently up against each other in the Challenger of the ongoing Big Bash League 2024-25 (BBL 2024-25) at Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney. The winner of this Challenger encounter will face the Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL 14 Final on January 27 in Hobart.

Speaking about the Challenger, Sydney Thunder captain David Warner won the toss and invited the Sydney Sixers to bat first at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Well, the Sixers didn’t have a great start, as they lost their opener, Jack Edwards, cheaply for just 7 runs off 8 balls against Thunder.

David Warner's stunning fielding helps Sydney Thunder to get early dominance in BBL 2024-25 Challenger

It was Nathan McAndrew who brought an early breakthrough for the Sydney Thunder, as David Warner and his team are aiming to make it to the BBL 2024-25 final. Well, Nathan McAndrew bowled a full delivery outside off at 136.4 kph, and Jack Edwards hit the ball in the air.

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Actually, Jack Edwards tried to drive the ball in the air, and even though he made decent contact, he didn’t get enough height. David Warner, who was stationed just in front of the 30-yard circle at mid-off, made just incredible efforts to help Sydney Thunder take the upper hand early in the match.

The former Australian opener jumped at the right moment at mid-off and caught the ball cleanly with both hands before falling onto the ground. However, Warner didn’t let the ball jump from his hands despite losing his balance, as Jack Edwards walked back to the pavilion in disappointment.

Watch how David Warner's magic sends Jack Edwards back to the pavilion here:

First wicket down!

David Warner takes a sharp catch and Jack Edwards falls early. #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/VMksn1S2lO

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 24, 2025

The BBL clash witnessed Warner’s stunning fielding efforts on the fourth ball of the third over. Later, Wes Agar got rid of Kurtis Patterson for just 11 as Sydney Thunder removed both the openers in the powerplay to put Sydney Sixers on the back foot in the Challenger at the iconic SCG.

Meanwhile, the Sydney Sixers lost one more wicket in bizarre fashion to find themselves in deep trouble against the Thunder. On the first ball of the 9th over, the comeback man Tanveer Sangha bowled a slower delivery to the Sixers captain, Moises Henriques, who hit it back towards the Thunder bowler.

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Unlucky Josh Philippe runs out in the worst possible way

However, Tanveer Sangha tried to catch the ball as he moved slightly to his left, but the ball bounced off his hands and hit the stumps at the non-striker’s end. Josh Philippe was not at the crease, and until he saw the ball, the bails were already lit up, and unfortunately, he had to leave.

Oh, dear!

This could be the worst possible way to get out... #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/OEgOsqS2CN

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 24, 2025

This was Josh Philippe’s 100th game for the Sixers and he was given the special cap before the start of the match, but it turned out forgetful, as he could make only 16 runs off just 12 balls.

Earlier, David Warner had said at the toss, “It's a nice wicket; it's not going to change too much. It's been fantastic. I said it from the start: it's about the fans, it's about entertainment, and it's about creating BBL to be one of the biggest tournaments in the world. Great to be here playing against the Sixers at the SCG. We are good friends; once we cross the rope, we're going to be competing as hard as we can.”