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Tom Abell (Source: Twitter)
The defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape cricketer Tom Abell put in a remarkable effort to prevent a six in the SA20 2024 game against the Durban Super Kings on Saturday. Despite the 29-year-old's outstanding attempts, the third umpire ruled that the ball was indeed a maximum, rendering his efforts unsuccessful.
The incident transpired during the 18th over of the initial innings, delivered by Daniel Worrall. Jon-Jon Smuts was the batter at the crease and he played a well-timed pull shot to deep square leg. Despite Tom Abell's attempt to control the ball, it eluded his grasp. In a quick reaction, he caught the ball with his right hand and threw it back, anticipating he was near the boundary. Regrettably, the England cricketer had made contact with the rope before initially touching the ball.
Watch the video here;
Stop it! Just stop it Tom Abell 🤯🤯🤯#Betway #SA20 #WelcomeToIncredible #SECvDSG pic.twitter.com/vQD8kJi9XX
— Betway SA20 (@SA20_League) January 13, 2024
The Super Kings showcased a formidable batting performance with their opening duo, Matthew Breetzke and Quinton de Kock, forming a robust partnership of 58 runs. Jon-Jon Smuts emerged as the top scorer with a blistering 75 off 38 deliveries, complemented by Nicholas Pooran's aggressive innings of 60 runs from 31 balls. Their collective efforts set an imposing target of 226 for the opposing team to chase.
SUNE lost the game by 35 runs
However, the task of chasing down 226 runs proved to be challenging for the Sunrisers Eastern Cape. The opening batter, Adam Rossington and Jordan Hermann, both registered single-digit scores early in the innings. Tom Abell and captain Aiden Markram then combined forces to build a partnership of 93 runs before Markram's dismissal, which came at an inopportune moment in the match.
Shortly after, the 29-year-old England batter followed Markram, departing the crease after scoring 65 runs. This left Tristan Stubbs to fight a solitary battle. Despite Stubbs' impressive 55 off 26 balls, he received no support from the remaining batters, none of whom reached double figures. Jon-Jon Smuts, Richard Gleeson, and Dwaine Pretorious each claimed two wickets, contributing to the Super Giants securing a 35-run victory. With two comfortable wins, DSG currently leads the table.