in the year Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2024 collision between Falcons of Antigua and Barbuda and Barbados Royals At Bridgetown, keeper Sam Billings presented a brilliant moment.
Sam Billings’ quick thinking secures crucial runs
At 10, while watching BR 73/1, Quinton de Kock attempted to hit a full length delivery outside the off stump with a premeditated scoop. The ball went inside edge and rolled behind Billings’ right stumps. Billings, seeing an opportunity, quickly pounced on the ball and dropped down the stumps to take the catch with impeccable precision. Alik Atanaz much less than earth. That crucial run ended a threatening 72-run partnership that gave the Falcons a much-needed lead as Athanaze was forced to depart, set up in the 34th over.
Quinton de Kock and Alik Athanaz’s unfortunate collision
The run itself was the result of a chaotic mix-up between shots De Kock and Athanaz. Caught off guard, both players attempted a single after De Kock’s strike, but disaster struck when they collided in the middle of the pitch. The confusion between the snaps gave Billings the precious extra seconds he needed to get the ball and make the shot, releasing Athanaze. The two batters were in plain sight with De Kock immediately apologizing, but the damage had already been done. The collision changed the course of the game, putting the Royals in a precarious position at a critical point in the chase.
We present the video:
Billings said NOT TODAY ROYALS! 👀 #CPL24 #BRvABF#CricketPlayedLoved The Biggest Party in #Sports #Sky365 pic.twitter.com/Y6t6I9x0Bt
— CPL T20 (@CPL) September 12, 2024
Also WATCH: Alzarri Joseph gets into a heated argument with the umpire during a thrilling CPL 2024 clash between Saint Lucia Kings and Trinbago Knight Riders.
De Kock falls shortly after as the rain ends early
Athanaze’s run-out was only the beginning of Royals’ problems as De Kock fell for 48 two overs later, leaving his team at 93/3 in the 12th over. But experienced duo Rovman Powell and David Miller He steadied the ship by adding an unbeaten 34 off 17 balls. Just as the Royals looked to regain control, persistent rain forced a premature end to the game. The D/L method kicked in and the Royals were declared winners by 10 runs.
Sam Billings fifty in vain as the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons continue to fight back
Early in the match, Billings scored his maiden half-century to make his CPL season off to a rocky start. The 33-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman hit 56 off 43 balls, including five boundaries and a six, to help the Falcons post a competitive 176/5 in 20 overs. Despite his valiant efforts, the Falcons fell short once again, suffering their fifth loss of the tournament. Billings’ form with the bat improved, resulting in him reaching 124 runs at an average of 20.66 in 7 matches for the season. Despite this, the Falcons remain second from bottom in the points table, continuing their difficult campaign.
