In the 14th match of the Big Bash League 2024-25 (BBL), the Sydney Thunder triumphed over the Melbourne Stars by 18 runs in a thrilling encounter at Manuka Oval, Canberra. Sydney Thunder’s all-round performance, coupled with a brilliant knock from their wicket-keeper batter Sam Billings, propelled them to a well-deserved victory. Melbourne Sta??rs, after winning the t?oss and opting to bowl, found themselves chasing a challenging target of 183.

Sam Billing’s masterclass innings

Sydney Thunder posted a total of 182/8 in their 20 overs, with Billings leading the charge. The English wicket-keeper batter played a scintillating knock of 72 runs off just 39 balls, including 9 fours and 2 sixes. His aggressive batting anchored the Thunder’s innings and gave them a strong platform. Jason Sangha also contributed with a steady 33 runs from 27 balls, hitting 3 boundaries. However, the rest of the batting order faltered, as the Stars’ bowlers fought back in the middle overs.

Melbourne Stars�?bowlers tried to make inroads into the Thunder’s innings, with right-arm fast bowler Beau Webster being the standout performer. Webster claimed 3 wickets for 28 runs in his 4-over spell, showing his skill and control in the powerplay and death overs. Peter Siddle and Usama Mir each took a couple o?f wickets, but the total was still a daunting one for the Stars to chase.

Melbourne Stars�?chase falls short despite Ben Duckett’s fight

Chasing 183, Melbourne Stars�?innings was led by opener Ben Duckett, who top-scored with a composed 67 runs from 49 balls, including 9 fours. However, Duckett’s valiant effort wasn’t enough, as no other batter managed to reach a half-century. The Stars’ middle and lower order collapsed under pressure, and they finished their innings at 164/8 after 20 overs, falling short by 18 runs.

Sydney Thunder’s bowling unit delivered a collective performance, with all bowlers except Oliver Davies claiming at least one wicket. Wes Agar was the st?andout, delivering a brilliant spell of 4-0-3-25, dismantling the Stars�?middle order. His c?rucial breakthroughs prevented the opposition from gaining momentum and were instrumental in sealing the victory.

Also READ: BBL 2024-25: Nick Hobson shines as Perth Scorchers cruise to a 33-run win ov??er Brisban??e Heat in the Big Bash League

Here is how Twitter reacted:

Brilliant batting and leadership from Billings. Sam’s redeemed himself aft?er a woeful first over! Wes Agar played great Greeny good in the f??ield!

Very happy with that win?. Yo??ung Andrew’s bowled well too.

— Cookie93 (@chris_cookie93) December 28, 2024

Sydney Thunder defeated Melbourne Stars by 18 runs 🏏#Cricket #BigBashLeague #SydneyThunder pic.twitter.com/vg1VFneOdn

— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 28, 2024

Congratulations to Sam Billings 72(39) & 4 Catches [Player of the Match].@sambillings @ThunderBBL #BBL14 #STvMS //t.co/duAEWRh6ru

— JaayShaan (VaidhyaJayaShankar) (@JaayShaan) December 28, 2024

Sam Billings is the fkn greatest

— Casual Dan (@suthodan) December 28, 2024

I don’t trust anyone who doesn’t like? Sam Billings. There is li?terally nothing unlikable about him

— Emily (@Emilyrenee_13) December 28, 2024

What a knock 👏 Sam Billings brings up a seventh BBL half-century and then some! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 #POTM #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/mxiRBuPq6w

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 28, 2024

A Team That Keeps on Giving 2 Free Pts – Melbourne Shits 💩💩💩#BBL14 #BBL #Bigbashleague#INDvAUS #AUSvINDIA #bordergavaskartrophy2024

— dinesh shiv (@dineshshiv4) December 28, 2024

The Unlucky @starsbbl are 0-5. #teamgreen #bbl14

— Mr. Styles want Smaller clubs to Merge (@TheStyles83) December 28, 2024

The Melbourne Stars need to have a hard look at themselves. They pride themselves on getting the big stars of Cricket but deliver zilch on the pitch. Although they're an embarrassment, from a Gades supporters point of view, it's funny seeing them lose. #BBL14

— Alex Sar #DonTheSash (@alexmatthewsar) December 28, 2024

How bad are the Melbourne Stars!
Absolutely shocking.#BBL14

— Tony Platt (@Barcelona99_) December 28, 2024

Also READ: BBL|14 [Twitter reactions]: Ben McDermot?t’s fiery knock propels Hobar?t Hurricanes to victory over Adelaide Strikers in a high-scoring thriller

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In the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2024 clash between Antigua and Barbuda Falcons and Barbados Royals at Bridgetown, wicketkeeper Sam Billings delivered a standout moment of brilliance.

Sam Billings’ quick thinking secures crucial run-out

In the 10th over, while BR were cruising at 73/1, Quinton de Kock attempted a premeditated scoop shot off a full-length delivery outside off-stump. The ball took an inside edge and rolled to Billings’ right behind the stumps. Seeing an opportunity, Billings quickly pounced on the ball and, with impeccable precision, threw the stumps down to catch Alick Athanaze well short of his ground. This key run-out ended a threatening?? 72-run partnership, givin?g the Falcons a much-needed breakthrough as Athanaze, set on 34, was forced to depart.

Quinton de Kock and Alick Athanaze’s unfortunate collision

The run-out itself was a result of a chaotic mix-up between the batters, De Kock and Athanaze. Both players, caught off-guard, attempted a single after De Kock’s shot, but disaster struck when they collided midway through the pitch. The confusion between the batters gave Billings the precious extra seconds needed to pick up the ball and make the throw, dismissing Athanaze. The two batters were visibly frustrated, with de Kock offering an immediate apology, but the damage had already been don??e. The collision turned the tide of the game, putting Royals in a precarious position at a critical juncture of the chase.

Here’s the video:

Billings said NOT TODAY ROYALS! 👀 #CPL24 #BRvABF#CricketPlayedLouder #BiggestPartyInSport #Sky365 pic.twitter.com/Y6t6I9x0Bt

— CPL T20 (@CPL) September 12, 2024

Also WATCH: Alzarri Joseph engages in heated argument wi??th umpire during thrilling clash between Saint Lucia Kings and Trinbago Knight Riders in CPL 2024

De Kock falls shortly after as rain ends play early

The run-out of Athanaze was just the beginning of the Royals’ troubles, as De Kock fell two overs later for 48, leaving his team at 93/3 in the 12th over. However, the experienced duo of Rovman Powell and David Miller s??teadied the ship, adding an unbeaten 34 of??f 17 balls. Just as the Royals looked set to regain control, persistent rain forced the game to a premature end. The D/L method came into play, and the Royals were declared the winners by 10 runs.

Sam Billings�?fifty in vain as Antigua and Barbuda Falcons continue to struggle

Earlier in the match, Billings had overcome a difficult start to the CPL season by scoring his first half-century. The 33-year-old wicketkeeper-batter struck a composed 56 off 43 balls, including five boundaries and a six, helping the Falcons post a competitive 176/5 in their 20 overs. Despite his valiant effort, the Falcons fell short once again, suffering their fifth defeat of the tournament. Billings�?form with the bat has seen an improvement, with his tally for the season reaching 124 runs? in seven matches at an average of 20.66. Nevertheless, the Falcons remains second from the bottom on the points table, continuing their difficult campaign.

Also READ: CPL 2024: Quin??ton de Kock’s fireworks secure Barbados Royals�?victory ?over Antigua and Barbuda

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England cricketer Sam Billings and his fiancé, tennis player Sarah Cantlay, celebrated a mome?ntous occasion on Friday (March 1) with the birth of the?ir first child, a baby girl named Ivie Fay Billings.

The couple celebrate the arrival of their baby child

The elated couple took to Instagram on Monday (March 4) to share the news, expressing their immense joy and gratitude for the safe arrival of their newest family member. The post included a heartwarming picture of the newborn, capturing the initial moments of Ivie’s introduction to the world.

“Ivie Fay Billings – Born March 1st . Best day of our lives! Both girls doing well at home,” the couple wrote on their joint post.

David Warner, Faf du Plessis extend good wishes

The announcement received an outpouring of warm wishes and congratulations from fans and fellow athletes alike. Australian cricketer David Warner extended his heartfelt wishes, and Faf du Plessis, Billings’ former teammate from the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), joined in the congratulations. The joyous occasion brought forth messages of love and celeb??ration as th?e couple embarked on their journey into parenthood.

Also READ: England star Joe ??Root points out the difference between Ravichandran Ashwin and Nathan Lyon

Sarah Cantlay: Tennis player and partner

Sarah, born and raised in England, is not only a tennis player but also a graduate with a major in psychology. The love story between Cantlay and Billings began in 2015, culminating in their engagement on November 20, 2021. The couple’s enduring relationship has grown stronger over the years, and the arrival of baby Ivie marks a new chapter filled with love and shared responsibilities.

Sam Billings’ cricketing journey and current status

On the cricketing front, Billings, known for h??is skills as a wicketkeeper-batter??, last represented England in 2022. Facing tough competition in both red and white-ball formats, Billings has experienced periods of exclusion based on form.

Notably, he recently signed a white-ball-only contract with Kent, committing to the county until at least the end of 2025. Despite stepping down as the red-ball captain in June and not featuring in the County Championship since May 2023, Billings remains a crucial player in the T20 Blast side, boasting impressi?ve records with 2,502 runs in 127 T20 appearances and 1,606 runs in 55 Li??st A matches.

Also READ: Kane Williamson and his partner Sarah become parents of a baby girl;?? David Warner reacts

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England staged a remarkable comeback against India in the first Test of the five match Test series as they register?ed a victory by 28 runs at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad on Sunday (January 28).

This turnaround stands out significantly, especially considering that England appeared nearly out of contention in the initial two days. Having batted first and posted a modest 246/10, England faced an uphill battle. However, by the close of day 2, India had surged to 421/7, boasting a substantial lead of 175. With the dynamic duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel at the crease, the prospect of further extending the lead beyond 250 loomed, a potential game-changer that could ?have? pushed England to the brink of defeat.

Fox Cricket’s sarcastic remark

Amid widespread skepticism that England stood little chance of clinching victory and might even be headed for an innings defeat, Fox Cricket from Australia, renowned for its candid and often sharp commentary on England cricket, seized the moment to mockingly jab at them on X by captioning the post “With no moral victories in sight, let’s break out the hypothetical ones, England,”?? before further elaborating on this theme in a published article.

With no moral victories in sight let's break out the hypothetical ones England 🤣

READ MORE >>> //t.co/gVhRsjjvRx pic.twitter.com/Amy09gEaaq

— Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket) January 26, 2024

Ollie Pope masterclass leads to England’s remarkable resurgence

Nevertheless, the tables turned in England’s favor on day 3 as they efficiently dismantled India within the first half-hour of play. The lead, initially poised to surge beyond 250, was curtailed to 190. Despite reducing the hosts to 168/5, middle-order batter Ollie Pope crafted an exceptio??nal innings on the challenging Indian track, accumulating 196 runs and steering the score to 420/10 with commendable support from the tailenders.

Setting India a target of 231, England witnessed a resilient d??isplay from the hosts on day 4. Despite the struggle, India was eventually bowled out for 202, and England clinched a victory that surpassed expectations, defying the chal?lenges faced in the initial two days.

Also READ: Sam Billings names E??ngland’s key player and pinpoints two majo?r threats for India Tests �?IND vs ENG 2024

Sam Billings’ witty response

Sam Billings, a crucial component of the England Team as a wicketkeeper-batter, seized the opportunity to playfully poke fun at Fox Cricket. In response to their earlier remark, he quoted their tweet and wittily added, “That aged well…..,” accompanied by some laughing emojis.

This aged well…�?😂😂😂😂😂 //t.co/K0V4l9kgtr

— Sam Billings (@sambillings) January 28, 2024

The second Test is scheduled to unfold in Vishakhapatnam on Feb 2, with England holding a comm??anding 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

Also READ: Rahul Dravid reveals the maj?or mistake of Team India in the Hyderabad Test against Engla??nd

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

In anticipation of the series opener between India and England at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad, English white-ball’s wicketkeeper-batter, Sam Billings, offered insightful predictions. These include identifying England’s most successful player and highlighting two major threats that the English team should be wary of.

Sam Billings’ predictions regarding main player for England

Speaking exclusively to ANI during ILT20 in Dubai, Billings expressed his belief that English batter Ben Duckett is poised for a successful tour given his? proficiency against spin.

“For England, the best player will be Ben Duckett because he is a very good player of spin, reverse sweep and sweep shot; and I think he will have a very good tour,” Billings was quoted ????as saying by The Times of India.

Early struggles and improvement under Ben Stokes’ captaincy

This marks Duckett’s second tour to India, the first being in 2016 when he was a middle-order batter new to international cricket. During that initiation, he faced challenges against Ashwin, the current No.1-ranked Test bowler, who dismissed him three times in the first two Tests. Duckett, batting at No.4, managed only 18 runs in three innings and was subsequently dropped after the second Test.

However, his return to Test cricket, under the new leadership of Ben Stokes, has showcased significant improvement. Since 2022, Duckett has maintained an impressive average of 43.12, including a century against Pakistan in Rawalpindi.

Also READ: IND vs ENG 2024: England anno??unce their playing XI for the first Test against India

Major threats for England in the India series

In highlighting the challenges for England, Billings pointed out that Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja will be major threats for his side. Notably, the duo hasn’t allowed any opposition to win a single series in India since 2012, showcasing their mastery in bowling.

“The biggest challenge for England will be Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. I love watching them bowl,” the 32-year-old concluded.

Also READ: Kevin Pietersen provides a simple plan for England to handle Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja – IND vs ENG 2024

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The second match of the International League T20 (ILT20) 2024 took place between Dubai Capitals and MI Emirates at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on January 20. The contest saw domination from the Capitals led by Australian superstar David Warner as they?? won the match comprehensively by 7 wicket?s.

The thrilling match featured numerous unforgettable moments that captivated the audience. Yet, a particular incident drew the gaze of all cricket enthusiasts, as Sam Billings showc??ased his exceptional fielding skills by making a phenomenal catch.

Sam Billings takes a phenomenal catch

It all happened during the second over of Emirates�?innings bowled by West Indies star Jason Holder. The right-armer bowled a good length which held its line outside off, luring Emirates opener Will Smeed into the drive.

Smeed drove with hard hands and got a thick edge, which flew quickly towards the first slip, whe?re Billings was stationed. The English cricketer exhibited lightning-fast reflexes, moving to his right, and executed a one-handed stunner to dismiss Smeed in spectacular fashion?.

Also READ: Sara Tendulkar spotted hanging out with ??Sh??ubman Gill’s sister Shahneel Gill amidst dating rumours; video goes viral

Here is the video:

Sam Billings takes a sp?ectacular catch at 2nd slip! How good was he on the field against the MI Emirate??s? 😎

Catch the live stream in the MENA region on //t.co/JwsxH5ku0j. #DPWorldILT20 #AllInForCricket #DCvMIE pic.twitter.com/zkh42x1PrF

— International League T20 (@ILT20Official) January 20, 2024

Rahmanullah Gurbaz drives Dubai Capitals over the finish line

Speaking of the overall contest, MI Emirates posted a competitive total of 159/9 in their allotted 20 overs after being put in to bat. Opener Muhammad Waseem top-scored with a blistering 51 off 26 balls, featuring 2 fours and 4 sixes. Tim David (27 off 22) and Andre Fletcher (30 off 18) also mad??e valuable contributions. Holder emerged as the pick of the bowlers for the Capitals, claiming three crucial wickets for 36 runs.

In response, the Dubai Capitals chased down the? target with 7 wicket?s in hand, thanks to a scintillating display of batting prowess. Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz stole the show with a blazing innings of 81 runs from just 39 balls, including 8 fours and 4 sixes. Youngster Jake Fraser-McGurk complemented Gurbaz’s fireworks with a rapid half-century, scoring 54 off 25 balls. The Capitals secured victory in the 16th over, marking a dominant start to their ILT20 campaign.

Also READ: Top 5 leading run-scorers in India vs England Test ser?ies

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

The ongoing International League T20 (ILT20) is reaching its business end with only a handful of games left to be played in the league stage before the playoffs begin. Meanwhile, Desert Vipers have become the first team to book their place in the playoffs following their cr?ucial 22-run triumph? against Sharjah Warriors at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

In the contest, Vipers, after opting to ??bat first, posted 148/6 on the board and restricted the Warriors to 126/8 to register a victory that also pushed them to a??cquire the numero uno position in the points table.

During the Warriors’ chase, a sharp wicketkeeping effort was seen from Sam Billings, who ran out Joe Denly. It all happened on the third ball of the 10th over bowled by Benny Howell when the medium pacer went for a good length delivery, and the batter tri??ed to push it.

Denly got the bottom edge and aimlessly stepped out of his crease in the followthrough. The batter didn’t even bother dragging the bat back quickly as Billings was sharp enough behind the wicket and hit a backhand throw at the striker’s end to catch the Warriors skipper short. The way Billings ran out Denly, it surely reminded many fans of MS Dhoni, who was a maestro behind the stumps.

Here is the video:

The run out of the #DPWorldILT20 so far courtesy @sambillings!💥#SWvDV #CricketOnZee #HarBallBawaal #MSDhoni #Dhoni #MSD @TheDesertVipers @sharjahstadium //t.co/xp40sunqnN pic.twitter.com/tvKLLcWGV1

— Zee Cricket (@ilt20onzee) January 31, 2023

Speaking about the game, the Vipers got to 148/6 after valuable contributions from Howell (34 off 23), Rohan Mustafa (31 off 33) and Billings (27 off 23). In response, the Warriors kept losing wickets at regular intervals and never really got the desired momentum. Paul Walter was the top-scorer for them with 27 off 23 as Warriors only managed to reach 126/8, losing the contest by 22 runs. Luke Wood and Wanindu Hasaranga were the pick of the bowlers for Vi?pers, bagging a three-wicket haul each.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and England wicketkeeper-batter Sam Billings on Monday confirmed that he will not participate in the 2023 ed?ition ??of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Billings, who played eight matches for the Shreyas Iyer-led side in IPL 2022, was signed up by the two-time champions in the mega auction at his base price of INR 2 crore. In eight games, he scored 169 runs at an average of 24.14, with his highest score being 36?.

Taking to Twitter, Billings revealed the reason for not ??par??ticipating in the forthcoming IPL.

“Have taken the tough decision that I won’t be taking part in the next IPL @KKRiders. Looking to focus on longer format cricket at the start of the English summer with @kentcricket,” he wrote.

Have taken the tough decision that I won’t be taking part in the next IPL @KKRiders

Looking to focus on longer format cricket at the start of the English summer with @kentcricket pic.twitter.com/7yeqcf9yi8

— Sam Billings (@sambillings) November 14, 2022

In another tweet, Billings said: “Thank you so much for the opportunity @kkriders! Loved every minute of it. An amazing franchise with some brilliant people. Hopefully see you again in the future.”

Thank you so much for the opportunity @kkriders ! Loved every minute of it. ??An amazing franchise with some brilliant people.

Hopefully see you again in the future 💜 pic.twitter.com/hxVVXfRqEE

— Sam Billings (@sambillings) November 14, 2022

Billings’ decision means KKR will now have INR 2 crore more to spend at the mini-auction, scheduled to be held in Kochi on December 23.

There was a lot of action seen in the Knight Riders camp on Sunday (November 13) morning, as they bought back New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson and Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz from the reigning champions Gujarat Titans (GT) in all-cash deals. Afghanistan’s Gurbaz was a surprise trade for many, but with Billings opting out of the current KKR squad, it makes a lot of sense.

Talking of Billings’ future in red-ball cricket, he has off late started getting chances in England’s Test line-up under the leadership of Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum. He is often named as a backup wicketkeeper to Ben Foake??s.

England will soon resume their tour of Pakistan, where they will play a three-match Test series. Ahead of the 2022 T20 World Cup, the ?Three Lions?? featured in a seven-game T20I leg, which they finally won by 4-3.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

England have added Sam Billings to their Ashes squad as a back-up wicketkeeper for the fifth and final Test in Ho??bart.

Billings has been drafted as cover for the injured Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Friday ??eveni??ng.

Buttler suffered a blow on his left hand’s index finger during the ongoing fourth Test in Sydney on Thursday, while Bairstow batted through pain en route to his gritty hundred after being hit on the thumb by a Pat Cummins delivery on Friday morning.

When questioned about the extent of his injury, Bairstow said: “I don’t know as yet… I’ll know some more information tomorrow. I’m not sure about the keeping side of things. But from a batting point of view, I’ll be out there in the morning.”

Meanwhile, Billings was set to fly back to the UK on Thursday before England’s T20I series against West Indies later this month but wi?ll now join his national team in Sydney, subject to a period of isolation and a negative Covi??d-19 Test.

Billings a??verages 34.29 in first-class cricket and has played 58 white-ball matches for England. He is likely to make his Test debut in Hobart by replacing either of?? the two injured wicketkeeper-batters.

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