IPL 2021: Flying Fabian Allen takes a stunning catch to dismiss Liam Livingstone

A lot of eyebrows were raised when Punjab Kings preferred Fabian Allen over Chris Gayle, the birthday in the match against Rajasthan Royals on Tuesday (September 21). Gayle was celebrating his 42nd birthday and many reckoned he would’ve played a swashbuckling on the special day. Sunil Gavaskar and Kevin Pietersen criticised PBKS a lot for their decision to bench the Universe Boss.

However, Fabian Allen is the utility player and most importantly, is an excellent fielder. And the same was on the show in the 12th over of the innings. Liam Livingstone was batting extremely well and had already smacked 14 runs of Arshdeep Singh. The scoop over the keeper’s head and a smashing 97-metre six had put the bowler under extreme pressure.

The left-arm pacer ran in from around the wicket to bang a slower delivery into the pitch. Livingstone had momentum with him and pulled the ball fiercely which was again on its way for a six over deep mid-wicket. But Fabian Allen had other ideas. He ran behind and perfectly timed his jump to grab a stunning catch inches behind the boundary line.

Allen was off significantly off the ground while completing the catch and the impact was such, that the watch in his left-hand flew over the boundary after he fell. However, despite falling, the Caribbean all-rounder managed to keep the ball in his hands to send back the dangerous Livingstone.

Here’s the video:

pic.twitter.com/maPBGOnITO

— Simran (@CowCorner9) September 21, 2021

Positive approach from Royals

As far as the Rajasthan Royals are concerned, they were positive in their approach right from the word go. Evin Lewis smacked a 21-ball 36 while Yashasvi Jaiswal improved his batting significantly from the first leg. He looked composed during his 49-run knock on the day. Though Livingstone got out via a terrific catch from Fabian Allen, Mahipal Lomror turned out to be a surprise package.

He took the attack to the PBKS bowling attack and Deepak Hooda bowling in the 16th over played into his hands where he scored 24 runs in a single over. He got out after scoring 43 off just 17 balls and it was knock that propelled the Royals past 180 in their 20 overs.