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Controversial catch in BBL Final [Source: X]
The BBL final has been dramatic in almost every season, and the 2025–26 edition was no exception. During the Sydney Sixers’ innings on January 25, Joel Davies survived an incredible catch attempt by Cooper Connolly, as he quite literally walked back from the dead.
The high-drama clash saw Connolly pull off a stunning effort, with Davies initially walking off the field, only to return to the crease after the spectacular catch was ruled not out.
Cooper Connolly pulls off a stunning catch during BBL Final
Joel Davies was batting fluently and looked in good touch when he faced the second ball of the 18th over, bowled by David Payne. A slower delivery at 111 kph, full and wide outside off from over the wicket, was picked up by Davies and smashed towards deep mid-wicket.
Cooper Connolly sprinted to his right and slid in an attempt to take a backward catch, coming to a halt just inches short of the boundary rope. Davies, convinced he was out, walked back to the pavilion in disappointment.
Davies walks back inside the ropes
However, the on-field umpires were not fully satisfied and referred the decision upstairs. The third umpire reviewed the replay and found that while Connolly initially caught the ball cleanly, his hand made contact with the ground as he slid, causing the ball to touch the grass.
With no complete control established, the dismissal was overturned. The Perth crowd erupted as Davies was called back onto the field after being declared not out.
Why was Joel Davies given not out despite stunning catch?
As per ICC laws, a catch is not considered complete until the fielder has full control of both the ball and their movement. If the ball is dropped or even brushes the grass during the process of completing the catch, it is ruled not out.
In cases where there is any doubt regarding control after reviewing the footage, the benefit of the doubt goes to the batter. That was the case with Davies, who returned to the crease after having already walked back to the pavilion.
Despite the dramatic reprieve, Davies’ contribution with the bat remained limited, as Sydney Sixers could manage only 132 runs in the BBL final.
Sydney Sixers' disappointing BBL Final innings
Batting first, the Sixers endured a disappointing outing. Opener Daniel Hughes was dismissed for just seven runs, while Steve Smith played a brisk knock of 24 off 13 deliveries. Josh Philippe added 24 runs from 24 balls, but the top order failed to build momentum.
By the end of 11 overs, Sydney Sixers were three down for 66 in the BBL Final. The middle order then collapsed rapidly, with the lower middle order and tail struggling to spend time at the crease. A flurry of wickets followed, and the Sixers were eventually bowled out for a modest total of 132 at Optus Stadium in Perth.
Perth Scorchers’ bowlers dominated the contest, with Jhye Richardson and David Payne claiming three wickets each. Mahli Beardman chipped in with two wickets, while Aaron Hardie picked up one. With a target of 133 on the board, the Perth Scorchers are now on the brink of claiming their sixth Big Bash League title.
