Will Prestwidge Stuns BBL with Historic Double Wicket Start

Will Prestwidge’s Explosive BBL Entry: Two Wickets in Two Balls

In the world of cricket, beginnings can set the tone for an entire match. On January 3, 2026, Will Prestwidge, the young right-arm quick for Hobart Hurricanes, turned the opening moments of the Big Bash League clash against Sydney Thunder into his own highlight reel. With nerves of steel and an unmistakable sense of occasion, Prestwidge delivered two thunderous blows — dismissing Matthew Gilkes and Sam Konstas with the very first two balls of the match (cricket.com.au).

It was a scene straight out of a cricketing fairy tale. The Hurricanes had won the toss and elected to field, putting the pressure squarely on Prestwidge to make something happen. The young bowler responded, not with caution, but with intent. His first ball swung in and caught Gilkes off guard — wicket number one. The crowd had barely processed the dismissal when Prestwidge steamed in again, this time removing Konstas for a second golden duck. Two balls, two wickets, and the Sydney Thunder were suddenly reeling at 0-2.

A Moment That Echoed Across the BBL

Prestwidge’s achievement was more than just a statistical oddity; it was a seismic jolt that reverberated through ENGIE Stadium and beyond. In a league where explosive batting often steals the headlines, this was a stark reminder of how a bowler, with a single spell, can reshape the narrative of a match. Prestwidge’s attempt at a hat-trick with his third ball was less dramatic — an in-swinger that drifted wide down the leg side. Yet, by then, he had already etched his name into the BBL’s folklore (Canberra Times).

Prestwidge finished his two-over spell with remarkable figures of 2-19, and for a fleeting moment, the Hurricanes looked to have the upper hand. The early breakthrough gave Hobart hope that they could stifle the Thunder’s campaign, especially as the Thunder entered the contest desperate to revive their season after a string of losses.

The Thunder’s Fightback: Warner’s Record-Breaking Response

But cricket is a game of momentum swings. As quickly as Sydney Thunder stumbled, their captain David Warner seized control with a performance that will be talked about for years. Warner, dropped twice in his innings, unleashed a breathtaking assault on the Hurricanes’ bowlers. He finished unbeaten on 130 from 65 balls, including 11 fours and nine sixes — joining an elite club of BBL players to score 130 or more in an innings (Fox Sports).

Warner’s knock overshadowed even Prestwidge’s heroics, propelling Thunder to a formidable total of 2/206. The innings was a study in resilience, with Warner finding support from Sam Billings and Nic Maddinson. Maddinson’s own story added a poignant layer to the contest: returning to BBL after a 739-day absence due to injury and illness, he contributed a steady 30 before retiring late in the innings.

Prestwidge’s Role in the Hurricanes Squad

For Prestwidge, the night was a personal milestone. Selected over uncapped batter Hugo Burdon and replacing Mac Wright in the Hurricanes’ final XI, the young quick justified the selectors’ faith with his dream start. While his figures were not enough to prevent Warner’s onslaught, Prestwidge’s ability to deliver under pressure marked him as a player to watch in future BBL campaigns.

The Hurricanes’ bowling lineup, featuring Nathan Ellis (1-46), Chris Jordan, and Rishad Hossain (0-29), struggled to contain the Thunder after Prestwidge’s opening salvo. Nevertheless, Prestwidge’s contribution was a rare bright spot in an otherwise challenging outing for Hobart, who were seeking to bounce back from a recent loss to Perth Scorchers.

The Bigger Picture: Youthful Impact and BBL Drama

Prestwidge’s double wicket start is the kind of moment that defines the Big Bash League’s appeal: unpredictability, drama, and the emergence of new heroes. In an era where established stars often dominate headlines, Prestwidge’s rapid-fire success reminds fans that cricket’s next chapter is always being written — sometimes in just two deliveries.

As the season continues, the Hurricanes will look to harness Prestwidge’s confidence and aggression, building on the flashes of brilliance that he displayed in Sydney. For Thunder, Warner’s epic knock may have overshadowed Prestwidge’s feats, but the memory of those first two balls will linger — a testament to how quickly fortunes can shift in T20 cricket.

Will Prestwidge’s dramatic double wicket opening was a spark in a match ultimately dominated by Warner’s record-breaking century. Yet, for Hobart and BBL fans, Prestwidge’s moment stands as proof that the league’s youthful energy and unpredictability remain its greatest strengths. His performance is a reminder: in T20, every ball can change everything.