WATCH: Ben McDermott takes splendid catch to dismiss Moises Henriques during BBL 2024 game

The Hobart Hurricanes became the first side to enter the Big Bash League (BBL) finals after beating the Sydney Sixers by 12-runs. The loss means that the Sixers will have to face the winners of the Sydney Thunder versus Melbourne Stars game in the challenger game on Friday. Meanwhile, Ben McDermott provided the biggest highlight in the second innings with a tremendous catch. 

The incident in question happened on the second ball of the third over with Riley Meredith bowling to Moises Henriques. The bowler delivered a full-length delivery that was pitched up to the batter. Henriques went for a drive but only managed to edge the ball to Ben McDermott. 

CATCH!

That's a ripper at slip from Ben McDermott 😲 #BBL14pic.twitter.com/ARWc3a0kcx

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 21, 2025

The 30-year-old Hurricanes star dove to his left like a football goalkeeper and completed an amazing catch. It was a huge wicket for the hosts as the Sixers were suddenly reeling at five runs for the loss of three wickets in pursuit of 174 runs to win. Josh Phillippe and Jack Edwards were out for duck to Cameron Gannon and Meredith to leave the hosts in complete command of the game. 

Jordan Silk’s heroics go to waste as Hurricanes seal finals spot

Kurtis Patterson and Jordan Silk came together and dug the Sixers out of the hole with a 75-run stand for the fourth wicket. The partnership came off 53 balls to bring the visitors back into the contest. Patterson was out for 48 when he was caught by Mitchell Owen against the run of play. 

Jordan Silk batted well to score 57 runs from 44 balls but the key wicket was snapped by Hobart skipper Nathan Ellis. Lachlan Shaw then smashed an unbeaten 33 off 24 balls but it was too little and too late. Hurricanes now have four days of breathing time as they eagerly wait to see who they play in the finals. 

Speaking at the end of the game, Riley Meredith, who was given the player of the game, said, “It was a gutsy batting performance, I thought. Jewelly and McDermott probably came thinking that they batted poorly but they did just what the team needed and got us to a decent total. Felt a bit bad missing the last one at the MCG. I had to repay the faith a little bit and I steamed in as hard as I could.”