Mitchell Starc absolutely destroyed by David Warner on BBL return after 11 years

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David Warner And Mitchell Starc

Australia left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc made his long-awaited return to the Big Bash League (BBL) after an 11-year absence. However, the veteran fast bowler, playing for Sydney Sixers, conceded 15 runs in his opening over, with Sydney Thunder skipper David Warner launching a six off the third delivery.

Starc played a key role in Australia’s Ashes 2025-26 success, finishing the series with 31 wickets and winning the Player of the Series award. He carried the responsibility of leading the pace attack in the absence of Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins. Notably, the bowler has already retired from T20 Internationals.

Mitchell Starc Concedes 15 Runs in First BBL Over in 11 Years as David Warner Smashes a Six

Mitchell Starc came on to bowl the second over of the Sydney Thunder innings. David Warner hit him for a six, and along with Matthew Gilkes, the pair took 15 runs off the over, putting the Thunder in a strong position during the powerplay and entertaining Sydney Sixers fans.

Starc responded later by making a breakthrough in his next spell. In the sixth over, he dismissed Gilkes, who tried to loft a full delivery but failed to clear mid-off. Moises Henriques completed a diving catch to end the partnership, giving Starc his first wicket of the match as Gilkes departed for 12 off 12 balls.

David Warner’s Century Pushes Sydney Thunder to 189/6 Against Sydney Sixers

David Warner produced a dominant batting display to power Sydney Thunder to 189/6 against Sydney Sixers at the SCG on Friday, January 16. Opening the batting, Warner controlled the innings from the start and left the Sixers facing a difficult chase.

Warner and Matthew Gilkes gave Thunder a flying start, reaching 49/0 by the end of the powerplay. Mitchell Starc provided the first breakthrough by removing Gilkes for 12 in the sixth over, ending a 56-run stand.

After a brief struggle from Sam Konstas, Warner continued to dominate and reached his fifty in just 25 balls. Sam Billings added 14 before getting out, after which Nic Maddinson joined Warner. Thunder took the Power Surge in the 14th over and scored 38 runs.

Warner brought up his second century of the season off 61 balls and finished unbeaten on 110 from 65 deliveries. Maddinson contributed 26, while Daniel Sams added a quick 10 off four balls. For the Sixers, Sam Curran took three wickets, while Starc, Jack Edwards, and Ben Manenti claimed one wicket each.

Playing XI of Sydney Thunder vs Sydney Sixers

Sydney Thunder: David Warner(c), Sam Konstas, Matthew Gilkes, Sam Billings(w), Nic Maddinson, Aidan O Connor, Daniel Sams, Chris Green, Tanveer Sangha, Ryan Hadley, Wes Agar

Sydney Sixers: Steven Smith, Babar Azam, Josh Philippe(w), Moises Henriques(c), Sam Curran, Lachlan Shaw, Jack Edwards, Joel Davies, Ben Manenti, Sean Abbott, Mitchell Starc

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