Watch: Sam Billings' thunderous shot knocks over umpire in dramatic Hundred 2024 moment
Published - 09 Aug 2024, 04:52 PM | Updated - 24 Aug 2024, 07:31 AM
A bizarre incident took place during the recent match between the Oval Invincibles and the Southern Brave in the ongoing Men's Hundred 2024 tournament. Oval Invincibles skipper and wicketkeeper-batter Sam Billings unintentionally hit the onfield umpire with the ball, which eventually hurt the umpire's leg.
The Southern Brave defeated the Oval Invincibles in the 22nd match of the Hundred 2024 at the Kennington Oval in London. The Southern Brave restricted the opposition team to a below-par total of 118 runs off 100 balls. They chased down the target with 15 balls and six wickets to spare during the run chase.
The Oval Invincibles moved to first place after defeating the Southern Brave by six wickets in their recent game. They have 10 points and a net run rate (NRR) of 0.778 after playing six matches in the group stage. The Southern Brave dropped to second place with four wins, two losses, and a net run rate of 0.679.
Watch: Sam Billings's Shot Hits On-Field Umpire
In the 76th ball of the Oval Invincibles' innings, Tymal Mills delivered a full ball, and Sam Billings drove it down the ground. However, the delivery struck the umpire's boots as he tried to step away. On-field umpire fell, and the ball deflected towards long-on.
The tournament's official account posted a video on X (formerly known as Twitter) that showed umpire Ben Debenham it by Sam Billings' shot. "Umpire Ben Debenham was sent tumbling after Sam Billings’ shot hit him on the foot! Thankfully, he was fine to continue," wrote the caption.
Watch the video below:
Umpire Ben Debenham was sent tumbling after Sam Billings’ shot hit him on the foot!
— The Hundred (@thehundred) August 9, 2024
Thankfully, he was fine to continue 😅#TheHundred pic.twitter.com/PCD6klIWZx
Sam Billings was dismissed on the 79th ball. The Oval Invincibles' captain scored just five runs off three balls. Donovan Ferreira completed the run chase with a six on the 85th ball. Jordan Cox top-scored for the team with an unbeaten 46 runs off 29 balls. Sam Curran added 38 runs off 18 balls, including five sixes.
Really Enjoying The Environment - Sam Curran
Sam Curran, the match hero, highlighted the importance of securing first place to advance to the next stage. Curran praised Will Jacks and Jordan Cox for their impactful performances with the bat. He expressed satisfaction with the win and his enjoyment of the team's environment and his role.
"Huge win. Two in-form teams at the moment, top-of-the-table clash, we knew we needed to win this game. First place goes straight through to Lord's, that's all we are focused on. That's why we bowled first, saw the conditions, a little bit of rain in the air and overcast conditions, we bowled outstandingly well."
"We complemented each other really well. Looked really tricky with the bat there. At the top, you got to take those risks, Jacky showed that intent with the first ball and then Coxy played really well to anchor the innings. Really happy with the win. Really enjoying the environment, we've had the same group for four years, enjoying the roles that I am playing," Sam Curran said.
