Brisbane Heat’s Ben Laughin might’ve registered himself as a contender for the best Big Bash League catch ever as he claimed a stunner to dent Adelaide Strikers by dismissing Micheal Nesar early in the eliminator match at the Gabba. Brisbane Heat won the match by six wickets, putting an end to The Strikers’ journey in the BBL 10.
The Video Of The Brilliant Catch By Ben Laughlin Catch That Went Viral
It was the last ball of the 18th over and Marnus Labuschagne – who had already claimed two wickets– went on to lure Micheal Nesar with a full-toss. However running to his right from long-on and the diving in that same motion, Laughin plucked the catch out of nowhere, intercepting the batsman’s slog.
The commentators noticed that not only did Ben Laughin make up for all the midfielders throughout the match but also stood as a premier contender for the BBL catch of the season. Some of them might as well say that it was the best catch of all-time, could be the case.
What a grab from Ben Laughlin! ?#BBL10pic.twitter.com/EWewqjqvjz
— The Cricketer (@TheCricketerMag) January 29, 2021
"You cannot do this, Ben Laughlin!" ?pic.twitter.com/bATuO9Tv2J
— ICC (@ICC) January 29, 2021
HOW BEN LAUGHLIN HOW? ?pic.twitter.com/eSIQ3dj7a8
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) January 29, 2021
INCREDIBLE BEN LAUGHLIN! @BKTtires | #BBL10 pic.twitter.com/NfDjV0wlds
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 29, 2021
It was the leg-spin duo that worked for Brisbane Heat as Marnus Labuschagne and Mitchell Swepson choked Strikers’ line-up. The two shared five wickets between them, Swepson getting two against his name. The situation was tight as Adelaide were 107 at 17th over the mark and were in desperate need for some quick runs from their middle and lower order.
However, picking two wickets in the 18th over, Labuschagne sealed their hoped goodbye. He first dismissed the well-set batsman in Philip Salt and two balls later, sent Michael Neser back to pavilion courtesy, a brilliant take from Ben Laughlin at long-on.
Owing to slow 20 odd runs from their batsmen – Weatherald (32 runs in 28 balls), Philip Salt (26 runs in 21 balls) and Wells (20 runs in 14 balls) – the Strikers touched a below-par 130 run mark by the time of their 20 overs.
What’s Happening Next In The BBL; Who Will Win The Title This Season?
Coming out to bat Brisbane Heat lost the opener, Chris Lynn, on the fourth ball of the innings and Marnus Labuschagne’s wicket fell in the very next over. With Sam Heazeett getting caught before stumps off Peter Siddle, Brisbane Heat was down three wickets in the powerplay.
However, then on Joe Denly (41) and Jimmy Pierson (47) stitched a partnership enough to take the team on winning distance. Joe Burns played a run a ball innings to finish the match along with Pierson.
Jimmy Pierson was named the man of the match. He said, “Can not wait for the match against Thunder. We got a bit of momentum for us now and we can go there and beat them as we continue on our road to the final.”
Brisbane Heat faces Sydney Thunder in the playoff match on Sunday. It will be another interesting game in the BBL. The season has been quite exciting. So let’s hope for the best as we head into the final games of the season.