Punjab-born Nikhil Chaudhary claimed his inaugural wicket in the Big Bash League (BBL) during the match between Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Thunder at Bellerive Oval on January 1.
Known for his batting prowess, Chaudhary caught and bowled Thunder opener Cameron Bancroft, marking his first BBL wicket. He added flair to the celebration with the Jatt-Gabru style.
You can watch the video here:
Nikhil Chaudhary, the second Indian-born BBL player, has his first wicket! This man has a big future in the competition. #BBL13 pic.twitter.com/wHctiTEmRt
— 🏏Flashscore Cricket Commentators (@FlashCric) January 1, 2024
The 27-year-old also secured the dismissal of Nathan McAndrew with a leg-before-wicket decision, concluding with figures of 2/26 in four overs. He repeated his signature celebration when catching Daniel Sams at mid-wicket, but unfortunately, it was deemed a no-ball from Nathan Ellis.
Chaudhary gained attention with the bat in recent matches against Perth Scorchers and Melbourne Stars, posting scores of 40 (31) and 32 (16) respectively. In his innings against Stars, he notably hit an unconventional six over gully off Haris Rauf.
Similar to Unmukt Chand, Chaudhary has retired from Indian cricket to join the BBL. His last appearance was for Punjab in 2019. As per the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) rules, Indian cricketers must retire and undergo a one-year cooling-off period before participating in overseas leagues.
Nikhil Chaudhary shines as Hobart Hurricanes secure a 7-wicket victory against Sydney Thunder in the BBL
Nikhil Chaudhary played a key role with the bat in Hobart Hurricanes’ seven-wicket victory over Sydney Thunder in the BBL on New Year. Sydney Thunder, batting first, set a total of 150/8 in their 20 overs. Chris Green led the scoring with 33 runs off 17 balls, and Daniel Sams, Cameron Bancroft, and Oliver Davies contributed valuable twenties.
Apart from Chaudhary, Patrick Dooley and Chris Jordan also secured two wickets each for the Hurricanes. In reply, Hobart Hurricanes successfully achieved the target in 18.1 overs. Ben McDermott concluded unbeaten with 53 runs from 34 balls, featuring two sixes and six boundaries. Macalister Wright and Celeb Jewell contributed in their thirties.
Daniel Sams, Nathan McAndrew, and Tanveer Sangha each claimed one wicket for Sydney Thunder as the Hurricanes secured a seven-wicket victory. This victory elevated Hobart Hurricanes to the fifth position in the BBL points table, boasting two wins in five games. Meanwhile, Sydney Thunder remained at the bottom with a solitary win in six games.
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