Watch: Sam Billings pulled off a special piece of wicketkeeping to dismiss his Kent teammate Joe Denly in the ILT20, with a no-look flick catching the former England batter short of his ground.

The dextrous effort came in Desert Vipers’ 22-run win over Sharjah Warriors, with Billings helping to turn the game his side’s way. Chasing 149 to win, Sharjah Warriors made a steady start, building to 50-2 after eight overs.

Wanindu Hasaranga gave Desert Vipers an opening, Marcus Stoinis pinned lbw for 17, and Billings brought about another wicket in the next over. Benny Howell bowled to Denly, who defended the ball down by his toes. The ball bounced away behind square on the off-side, with Denly taking a step outside his crease in case there was a single on offer.

There wasn’t, with Billings swooping. He pounced on the ball and flicked it behind him in one motion, with Denly rooted to the spot as the ball crashed into his stumps. Another direct hit followed as Sharjah Warriors attempted to run a single off the deflection, but a TV umpire review showed that Denly was already a goner.

It wasn’t entirely clear whether the dismissal should have gone done as a stumping or a run out, with the deciding factor whether Denly was attempting a run or not. The scorers went with Denly being run out.

Sharjah Warriors never recovered, finishing on 126-8.

Watch the Billings flick below:

 

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