Luke Wood, David Payne combine to take stunning baton catches to get rid of Andre Russell in ILT20
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 superbly to stop it going over the boundary line and dispossess the dangerous Andre Russell during the game.
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 man of the match despite not contributing with either bat or ball. However, the cricketer was chosen for the award for his efforts on the field.
Watch: Luke Wood and David Payne combine for stunning relay catch
Right-arm leg-spinner Nathan Sowter dismissed Andre Russell with a spectacular relay catch involving Luke Wood and substitute David Payne. The incident happened on the fourth ball of the 13th over during Abu Dhabi Knight Riders’ innings.
Russell tried to pull a flatter delivery towards deep midwicket. Wood timed his dive perfectly near the boundary and grabbed the ball but let it fly after realizing his swing would carry him over the ropes. Payne, set up nearby, safely completed the catch to remove Russell.
Although credit for the catch goes to Payne, Wood’s exceptional effort made it possible. Russell was dismissed for 6 runs off 3 balls, including a six.
FanCode, the official broadcaster, took to social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) to share a clip of Andre Russell’s sack with the caption: “ICYMI: Stunning catch in the deep! 🤯 Luke Wood and Desert Vipers’ David Payne combined for the best score on the field and sacked Andre Russell 🔥 #ILT20onFanCode”.
You can watch the relay catch in the video below:
ICYMI: Stunning catch in the deep! 🤯
Desert Vipers’ Luke Wood and David Payne combined for the best score on the pitch to sack Andre Russell! 🔥#ILT20onFanCode pic.twitter.com/MxSnYALjrO
— FanCode (@FanCode) January 19, 2025
Desert Vipers secure fourth win of ILT20 2025 season
Desert Vipers secured their fourth win of the ongoing tournament with a dominant 53-run victory over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. Batting first, the Vipers posted an incredible total, led by Alex Hales and Dan Lawrence. Late contributions from Tom Curran and Azam Khan pushed the score past 190.
In reply, the Knight Riders struggled after the early loss of Philip Salt. 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 to seal the win for 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 efforts on the pitch, insisting it was a rare achievement. He said that his focus was on good positioning under the grips. Wood also gave credit to David Payne for completing the relay catch that dropped Russell.
“I don’t think I won the man of the match award for fielding. I was just trying to get under those tackles. I’m trying to repeat what I do in practice. Luckily Payne finished that (Russell) catch,” Luke Wood said, as reported Cricbuzz.
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