Watch: Sam Billings’ pulls off MS Dhoni-like run-out; Joe Denly left stunned following dismissal

International League T20 is about to end with few games left in the league stage ahead of playoffs. In a recent match, Desert Vipers beat Sharjah Warriors by 22 runs to book their spot in playoffs. While batting first in their triumph at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Vipers posted 148/6 on the board and held the Warriors to 126/8 to secure a victory that also propelled them to the top of the points table.  

In the second innings, Viper’s Wicket Keeper batter Sam Billings displayed a brilliant fielding effort to run out Joe Denly. His amazing wicketkeeping skill left netizens amazed. Billings’ dismissal of Denly reminded many fans of MS Dhoni, who was a master behind the stumps.

It all started during Warriors’ pursuit of a 149-run target. On the third ball of the 10th over, when the medium pacer, Benny Howell, went for a good length delivery and the batter tried to push it, Denly got the bottom edge and stepped cluelessly out of his crease.

The batter didn’t even get a chance to drag the bat back. Billings was sharp enough behind the wicket to catch the Warriors skipper short with a backhand throw at the striker’s end. His effort is being compared by former India captain MS Dhoni. 

Here is the video of Sam Billings: 

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

— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) January 31, 2023

Vipers become the first team to book their place in the playoffs

Talking about the match, Vipers won the toss and opted to bat first. With help of Howell (34 off 23), Rohan Mustafa (31 off 33), and Billings (27 off 23), Vipers managed to post a competitive total of 148/6. In response, Sharjah Warriors kept losing wickets at regular intervals and eventually ended up with 126/8.

Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga and Luke Wood took 3 wickets each and led the Vipers to a comfortable win. After this win, Vipers grabbed the top spot on the points table with 12 points in eight games. Although this loss cost the Warriors as they only have 7 points in eight games and are in 4th spot.