Pak spinner takes a futile blinder during BBL; Left startled after realising it was a free hit

The Big Bash League is emanating action at full throttle and players are evidently throwing themselves to even get hold of the airborne that won't fetch dismissal. During the BBL 2023/24 match between Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Stars, there ensued an instance when the fielder was not in knowledge that the played delivery was a free hit and thus went for it and took it, only to smile later on because the effort went in vain.

3 things you need to know

• The BBL 2023/24 season is in full flow
• Sydney Thunder defeated the Melbourne Stars by 5 wickets
• Pak spinner Usama Mir took a catch off a free hit

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Pak spinner Usama Mir takes a blinder off a free hit

Usama Mir took a spectacular catch during the Big Bash League (BBL) 2023-24 match that was played at the Lavington Sports Oval between Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Stars. He was surprised, however, when he realised it was a free hit. Mark Steketee bowled one outside the off-stump on the first ball of the Thunder's second over, prompting Cameron Bancroft to go for a big heave. However, the batter was unable to get the right connection and found the top edge. The ball sailed to the third-man area, where Usama took a wonderful catch. Usama was going to celebrate until a nearby fielder informed him that it was a free hit.

Usama, who turned 29 on Saturday, December 23, threw the ball with a smile on his face. Meanwhile, Bancroft saw it as an opportunity to take two runs. Bancroft was eventually caught by Jonathan Merlo, but not before scoring 30 runs off 20 balls with three fours and a six.

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Usama finished with quiet figures

Later in the innings, Usama caught Alex Ross, but he did not have the greatest of days with the ball. The leg-spinner finished with the figures of  3-0-28-0.

While he went wicket-less, eventually it turned out to be a happy evening for Usama ended up on the winning side. Thunder defeated the Stars by five wickets. With this win, Thunder moved up to fifth place in the table.