Cricket

In a thrilling encounter of the National Cricket League (NCL), Atlanta Kings emerged victorious over New York Lions, showcasing an explosive batting performance and impressive bowling display.Sam Billings, the English wicketkeeper-batsman, set the tone for Atlanta Kings with a blistering knock of 66 runs off just 28 deliveries. His innings was a display of power-hitting, featuring five boundaries and six towering sixes. James Neesham, the New Zealand all-rounder, followed suit with an equally impressive 69 runs off 26 balls, hitting six fours and six sixes.The New York Lions bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught, with Mohammad Hafeez conceding 51 runs in three overs and Tabraiz Shamsi giving away 37 runs in three overs. Former Indian all-rounder Suresh Raina also proved expensive, conceding 27 runs in his solitary over.In response, Upul Tharanga provided a glimmer of hope for New York Lions with a valiant 55 runs off 25 balls, including four fours and five sixes. However, he lacked support from his teammates, with Manvinder Bisla being the only other batter to reach double figures with 13 runs.Atlanta Kings' bowlers then took control, with Imran Tahir, Danish Aziz, and Saad Humayan claiming two wickets each. Gajanand Singh and Tom Bruce also chipped in with one wicket apiece.Despite not being dismissed, New York Lions were restricted to 93/8 in their allotted 10 overs, falling 60 runs short of their target.Atlanta Kings' comprehensive victory was a testament to their explosive batting and disciplined bowling, while New York Lions will need to regroup and address their shortcomings in both departments.

England wicketkeeper-batter Sam Billings has become the first player to sign a multi-year contract in the Big Bash League (BBL), committing to the Sydney Thunder for the next three seasons. This move is a significant step for the BBL, as it aims to retain top players amidst competition from rival T20 leagues.Billings, who previously played for the Thunder in 2020-21 and 2021-22, has been a key player for England in recent years. He brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the Thunder, who are looking to rebuild after a disappointing season last year.Under the new multi-year contract option, players are required to commit to the entire BBL season, including the finals, from the 2025-26 season onwards. Billings has gone a step further and will be available throughout next season's edition as well."I love Sydney and in particular Western Sydney and the chance to come back to a family club that is so connected to their members and fans and the people from the area was too good an opportunity to ignore," Billings said.The BBL faces significant competition from the SA20 and ILT20 leagues, which overlap with its schedule. The new multi-year contract option is an attempt to secure players for the duration of the tournament by offering them security."The BBL is in such a great place these days, it's well run, well supported and definitely the best tournament in the world staged at that time of the year. That's why I have committed long term and to be here right until the end of the tournament each year," Billings added.The Thunder are excited to have Billings on board, as they look to improve on their performance last season."The beauty of bringing a player the calibre of Sam Billings to the club is not just the elite skillset he brings to every facet of the game but also his leadership on and off the field," said Thunder general manager Trent Copeland.Billings is the second Thunder signing confirmed in two days, following the acquisition of highly-rated young batter Sam Konstas. The Thunder are building a strong squad under new coach Trevor Bayliss, who recently signed a one-year extension.

Kent Spitfires emerged victorious in a thrilling Vitality Blast encounter against Somerset, securing a four-wicket triumph with just four balls remaining. The match at Canterbury witnessed a remarkable century from Kent skipper Sam Billings, who single-handedly rescued his team from a precarious position.Somerset posted a formidable 197 for six, with Will Smeed's blistering 68 from 30 balls setting the tone. Tom Kohler-Cadmore contributed 42, while Kent's bowlers struggled to contain the Somerset onslaught, conceding 95 runs in the opening eight overs.However, Kent's fortunes took a dramatic turn thanks to Billings' heroics. The wicketkeeper-batsman played a sensational innings, smashing 106 runs from 66 deliveries, including 14 fours and two sixes. His century proved to be the catalyst for Kent's comeback, as he forged a crucial 109-run partnership with Joe Denly.Despite Denly's dismissal for 32, Billings continued to dominate the crease, reaching his century in style with a boundary through cover. With Kent needing just 10 runs from the last two overs, Billings was caught on the boundary, leaving Joey Evison the task of finishing the job.Evison rose to the occasion, hitting a boundary and scrambling two runs off the next ball to seal a memorable victory for Kent. The Spitfires' triumph was made all the more impressive considering they had been reeling at 37 for four in the fifth over.Somerset's bowlers had initially put Kent under pressure, with Craig Overton dismissing Zak Crawley and Daniel Bell-Drummond cheaply. However, Kent's bowlers fought back, with Matt Parkinson claiming two wickets and Zak Crawley taking four catches, equaling Kent's Blast record.In the end, it was Billings' brilliance that proved decisive, as Kent secured a thrilling victory and moved up the Vitality Blast standings.

Sam Billings, the captain of the Oval Invincibles in The Hundred, has emphasized the importance of equitable revenue distribution from the proposed sale of stakes in Hundred teams to private investors. He believes that the larger clubs have a moral obligation to ensure the prosperity of all 18 first-class counties.The ECB and the counties have reached a consensus on selling stakes in the eight Hundred teams later this year. However, the distribution of funds remains a contentious issue. The 11 counties without Hundred teams are seeking independent counsel to guarantee a fair deal from the seven hosting counties and MCC.Billings, who led Kent for six years before joining the Invincibles, believes private investment could revitalize county cricket. However, he expresses concern that it could exacerbate financial disparities between larger and smaller counties if the distribution of funds is not equitable."The Hundred is here to stay," Billings stated. "If the money that comes into the game is used wisely, it could benefit everyone and revitalize county cricket."Billings emphasizes his deep connection to Kent and his desire to repay the club that has supported him throughout his career. He views the Oval Invincibles as a joint venture between Surrey and Kent, with both counties contributing to its success."It has to be a relationship between all parties, and it just has to be fair," Billings said. "Kent has produced a remarkable number of England cricketers recently. If we don't invest in that, it could be very worrying for the overall picture."The latest proposals grant the seven host counties and MCC 51% of the shares in their respective Hundred teams. They will then decide how much, if any, of those shares they wish to sell. Surrey's chairman, Oli Slipper, has expressed a desire to rename the Hundred team 'Surrey Invincibles' if they become majority owners.Billings strongly opposes this move. "That just shouldn't happen," he said. "Surrey is a fantastic club, but they have a moral responsibility to uplift others who need it more."Kent's bid to host a 'Tier One' women's team from 2025 was recently rejected by the ECB. Billings believes that a significant dividend from the sale of Hundred teams could help Kent invest in facilities at Beckenham, their second home ground."Beckenham has great potential for both the male and female game," Billings said. "We have a large local catchment area and it's a great opportunity for Kent."