Watch: Sam Billings pulls off an MS Dhoni with an exceptional back-hand run out in the ongoing ITL20

Sam Billings pulled off an impressive run out in a match between Desert Vipers and Sharjah Warriors in the ongoing International T20 League (ITL20). The ITL20 is finally reaching its business end with only a handful of games remaining. After the conclusion of these league matches, the playoffs will commence.

As such, the Desert Vipers became the first team to book their berth in the playoffs. They posted a competitive total of 146/6 batting first and, later, restricted the Warriors to just 126/8. With this crucial 22-run victory, the Vipers are now sitting atop the points table in addition to booking their playoff berth.

Sam Billings: Moment of the match

However, the moment of the match came in the 10^th over of the Warriors’ Chase when Sam Billings pulled off a sensational piece of fielding. Keeping the wicket for the Vipers, the Englishman pulled off what can only be described as a stumping-runout combination.

It all happened on the second ball of the 10^th over bowled by the right-arm medium-fast pacer, Benny Howell. On strike was Joe Denly, who tried to play a defensive push to this good-length delivery. The ball, however, ricocheted off the pitch back towards the keeper. In a fraction of a second, Billings grabbed the ball and launched a backhand throw onto the stumps.

The ball hit the bull’s eye. But, to avoid any doubt, the on-field umpire went for a review, a move loathed by many fans in the stands and otherwise. Netizens took to the socials and compared Billings’s exceptional work to former Indian Captain MS Dhoni’s heroics behind the stumps. The third umpire call was, of course, out.

Here's the video:

A brilliant piece of work from Sam Billings! 👏 #ILT20pic.twitter.com/UAyIhkKoDb

— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) January 31, 2023

Match Report

As for the match, the Vipers got to 148/6 after notable contributions from Howell (34 off 23), Rohan Mustafa (31 off 33) and Billings himself (27 off 23). In reply, the Warriors kept losing regular wickets and never really got into any rhythm. Paul Walter was the top-scorer for the side from Sharjah, with 27 off 23, as they only managed to reach 126/8. Luke Wood and Wanindu Hasaranga were the picks of the bowlers for Desert Vipers, both bagging a three-wicket haul.