[Watch] Sam Billings runs Alick Athanaze out with brilliant direct hit after collision between both batters in CPL 2024 clash
Antigua and Barbuda Falcons (ABF) wicketkeeper Sam Billings hit the bullseye from behind the stumps to brilliantly run Barbados Royals (BR) batter Alick Athanaze out. The dismissal happened in the 2024 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) clash at Bridgetown on Wednesday, September 11.
Chasing 177 for victory, BR were coasting at 73/1 in the 10th over, with Quinton de Kock and Athanaze well-set on 37 and 34, respectively. However, disaster struck when De Kock's premeditated scoop to a full delivery outside off-stump took the inside edge and went to Billings' right behind the wickets.
The two batters were caught unalert and collided with each other midway through the single. Meanwhile, Billings picked up the ball and threw the stumps down to catch Athanaze well short of his ground, ending a 72-run partnership.
Here is a video of the same:
De Kock followed Athanaze back to the pavilion two overs later on 48 to leave BR 93/3 in the 12th over.
However, skipper Rovman Powell and dangerman David Miller added an unbeaten 34 off 17 deliveries for the fourth wicket before the weather gods intervened. Persistent rain meant the rest of the game was washed out and BR won by 10 runs, courtesy of the D/L method.
Sam Billings starred with the bat for ABF in the first innings
Sam Billings overcame a torrid start to the 2024 CPL season with his first half-century in the first innings of the clash against Barbados Royals.
The 33-year-old scored 56 off 43 deliveries to help ABF post a competitive 176/5 in 20 overs. Billings' knock included five boundaries and a maximum, taking his run tally for the season to 124 in seven matches at an average of 20.66 and a strike rate of 113.76.
However, his vigil went in vain as ABF lost their fifth game of the tournament with only two wins to remain second-to-bottom on the points table.
Meanwhile, the win was the third straight for BR as they remain one of two unbeaten sides along with the Guyana Warriors.
Billings and ABF will be in action next against the St.Lucia Kings on Sunday, September 15, while BR take on the Trinbago Knight Riders in their next match on Friday, September 13.