Desert Vipers players Luke Wood and David Payne made a magnificent relay catch during the ILT20 2025 match against Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. Luke Wood controlled the ball exceptionally well to prevent it from crossing the boundary line and laying off the dangerous Andre Russell during the match.
Desert Vipers won by 53 runs against Abu Dhabi Knight Riders at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on Saturday, January 18. Luke Wood was named Player of the Match despite not contributing with either bat or ball. However, the cricketer was selected for the award for his efforts on the field.
Watch: Luke Wood and David Payne combine for impressive tag grab
Right-arm leg-spinner Nathan Sowter dismissed Andre Russell with the help of a spectacular relief catch involving Luke Wood and substitute fielder David Payne. The incident occurred on the fourth ball of the 13th over during the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders’ innings.
Russell tried to play a flatter delivery towards deep mid-wicket. Wood timed his jump perfectly near the boundary and grabbed the ball, but threw it into the air after realizing his momentum would take him over the ropes. Payne, positioned nearby, safely completed the catch to eliminate Russell.
Although the catch was attributed to Payne, Wood’s exceptional effort made it possible. Russell was dismissed for 6 runs off 3 balls, including six.
FanCode, the official broadcaster, took to social media platform Desert Vipers’ David Payne combines to take a course record to dismiss Andre Russell 🔥 #ILT20onFanCode.”
You can see the capture of the relay in the following video:
ICYMI: An amazing catch in the depths! 🤯
Desert Vipers’ Luke Wood and David Payne combined to take a course record to dismiss Andre Russell! 🔥#ILT20onFanCode pic.twitter.com/MxSnYALjrO
– Fan Code (@FanCode) January 19, 2025
Desert Vipers achieves fourth victory in the ILT20 2025 season
The Desert Vipers claimed their fourth win of the ongoing tournament with a dominant 53-run victory over the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. Batting first, the Vipers put up a formidable total, led by Alex Hales and Dan Lawrence. Latest contributions from Tom Curran and Azam Khan took the score to over 190.
In response, the Knight Riders struggled after losing Philip Salt early. Joe Clarke and Kyle Mayers had a brief partnership but wickets fell at regular intervals and they were bowled out for 140. Nathan Sowter claimed three wickets, while Wanindu Hasaranga picked up two, sealing the victory for the Vipers.
I won the Man of the Match award for Fielding – Luke Wood
Luke Wood expressed his surprise at winning the Man of the Match award for his fielding efforts, noting it was a rare achievement. He shared that his focus was on positioning himself well below the closes. Wood also credited David Payne for completing the relief catch that sacked Russell.
“I don’t think I won the Player of the Game award for fielding. I was just trying to get under those catches. I try to replicate what I do in practice. Fortunately, Payne completed that catch (from Russell),” Luke Wood said. , cited by Cricbuzz.
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