Sam Billings produced a brilliant bit of magic in the field as he inflicted a direct hit run out from almost 40 meters. England won by 5 wickets against Sri Lanka in the first of the three-match ODI series, and Sam Billings’ outstanding throw helped the hosts close out Sri Lanka’s innings at 185.
Sam Billings was positioned at deep mid-wicket when Sri Lankan batsman Chamika Karunaratne pushed the ball to the on-side while looking for two runs. The Englishman was onto the ball in a flash and took a direct hit from the deep, even from a tough angle, at the non-striker’s end. Praveen Jayawickrama was caught well short of his crease.
Chris Woakes Was The Star Picking 4 Scalps In Sri Lankan Innings
Sri Lanka failed to put in much resistance with the bat in the first ODI after being invited to bat first by the hosts. All-rounder Chris Woakes was the star of the show for England, returning with brilliant figures of 4-18 in his 10 overs including five maidens.
Chris Woakes was superb with the new ball in the powerplay, bowling four maidens in his first five overs. Chris Woakes’s five maidens in his spell of 10 overs is the most for England since Jimmy Anderson (10-6-12-1) at Adelaide in January 2002. Chris Woakes returned with outstanding figures of 10-5-18-4.
England got off to a flying start at Chester-le-Streer while chasing a low total of 186, courtesy of opener Jonny Bairstow (43 off 21 balls). However, Sri Lanka staged a comeback, picking up four wickets in the space of 26 runs. Sam Billings, who came in at no.5, was dismissed for 3 off the bowling of Dushmantha Chameera.
Sam Billings Inflicts Direct Run Out From Almost 40 Meters And Is Hoping To Feature In The T20 World Cup 2021
Sam Billings, meanwhile, is hoping to feature in the upcoming T20 World Cup squad but realizes the competition for places in England will make things harder for him. In a recent interview with Sky Sports, the 30-year-old acknowledged that it has been deflating while waiting in the wings to get his chances in playing XI.
“It has been deflating at times, I’ll be honest, not playing any cricket and missing out on all fronts. Of course I want to be in it (T20 World Cup squad) but I’m very cautious not to look too far ahead,” said Billings.
In the 1st ODI, Sri Lanka lost 3 for 45 at the top of their innings, and then their last seven for 40, making an eventual 185 that was miles from being sufficient. Man of the Match Chris Woakes was particularly disciplined and skillful as he claimed 4 for 18 from his 10 overs.
Then Jonny Bairstow blasted a 21-ball 43, and Joe Root scored an unbeaten 79 and Moeen Ali accompanied him through a 91 run stand. England had bowled out Sri Lanka out inside 43 overs. They surpassed their score inside 35 overs, with five wickets to spare.
England 189 for 5 (Root 79*, Chameera 3-50) beat Sri Lanka 185 (Perera 73, Hasaranga 54, Woakes 4-18) by five wickets