Originally posted 2023-10-05 00:18:31.
Explore the most extraordinary moments in cricket with our Top 10 Best Catches in Cricket History. From Jonty Rhodes’ legendary dives to Ben Stokes’ superhuman leap, relive the magic of these jaw-dropping catches.
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Top 10 Best Catches in Cricket History
Cricket, often dubbed the “gentleman’s game,” is a sport known for its moments of brilliance, whether it be with the bat, ball, or on the field. One of the most electrifying aspects of cricket is when fielders defy gravity and logic to make breathtaking catches. These catches not only change the course of a match but also become iconic moments in the history of the game. Here, we celebrate the top 10 best catches in cricket history.
1. Jonty Rhodes: The Flying South African
Jonty Rhodes, a name synonymous with fielding excellence, set the standard for fielding in cricket. His gravity-defying run-out of Inzamam-ul-Haq in the 1992 World Cup is legendary, but it’s his catch to dismiss Andrew Hudson in a Test match against the West Indies that still gives fans goosebumps. Diving to his right, Rhodes plucked the ball from thin air, making a catch that redefined fielding in cricket.
2. Ben Stokes: The Superman at Lord’s
During the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, England’s Ben Stokes took a catch that seemed to defy the laws of physics. In the final against New Zealand, Stokes sprinted backward, leaped high, and, with one hand, grabbed the ball inches from the boundary rope. This spectacular catch added to the drama of an already thrilling World Cup final and showcased Stokes’ athletic prowess.
3. AB de Villiers: Spiderman on the Field
AB de Villiers is often referred to as Mr. 360 for his ability to play shots all around the ground. However, he also exhibited his superhero-like abilities in the field. One of his most remarkable catches was against the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League. De Villiers ran back, jumped high, and plucked a ball with one hand, defying gravity and expectations.
4. Faf du Plessis: The Dive of Perfection
Another South African on the list, Faf du Plessis, showcased his brilliance in the 2014 Test series against India. He dove full length to his right, catching a rocket-like shot from Virat Kohli. The catch not only left everyone stunned but also ended a crucial partnership and played a pivotal role in South Africa’s victory.
5. Ricky Ponting: The Classic Catch
Ricky Ponting, one of Australia’s greatest captains, also possessed exceptional fielding skills. His catch to dismiss England’s Mark Waugh in the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup final remains etched in cricketing history. Ponting dove to his left, taking a low, one-handed catch that turned the game in Australia’s favour.
6. Martin Guptill: The Lightning Reflexes
In the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, New Zealand’s Martin Guptill produced a moment of sheer brilliance in the semi-final against India. With a direct hit from the boundary, Guptill dismissed MS Dhoni, but it was his quick reactions and anticipation that made it one of the best run-out catches ever seen.
7. Dwayne Bravo: The Boundary Defender
Dwayne Bravo is known for his flamboyance on the field, and he lived up to his reputation with a spectacular catch in the 2015 IPL. Playing for the Chennai Super Kings, Bravo took a running catch on the boundary rope, defying the odds and sending shockwaves through the cricketing world.
8. Andrew Strauss: The Unbelievable One-Handed Grab
Former England captain Andrew Strauss stunned everyone with his remarkable catch against Australia in the 2005 Ashes series. Strauss, fielding in the slips, plucked a fierce edge from Adam Gilchrist out of thin air with just one hand. It was a moment that defined the intensity of Ashes cricket.
9. Herschelle Gibbs: The ‘Cup’ Catch
During the 1999 ICC Cricket World Cup, South Africa’s Herschelle Gibbs made a catch that would be etched into World Cup folklore. He caught a ball from Steve Waugh but, in a moment of overconfidence, dropped it immediately. His famous words, “You’ve just dropped the World Cup,” added drama to an unforgettable catch.
10. Suresh Raina: The Boundary Vault
Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has been known for his agility and versatility. One of his most memorable catches came in an IPL match, where he leaped high on the boundary rope, flicked the ball back into play, and then re-entered the field to complete the catch. It was a breathtaking display of athleticism and cricket intelligence.
Here’s a table summarising the Top 10 Best Catches in Cricket History:
| No. | Player | Catch Description | Match / Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jonty Rhodes | Diving one-handed catch vs. West Indies | Test Match, 1992 |
| 2 | Ben Stokes | Superman catch vs. New Zealand in World Cup Final | ICC CWC Final, 2019 |
| 3 | AB de Villiers | One-handed stunner in IPL | IPL Match, Year |
| 4 | Faf du Plessis | Full-length dive to dismiss Virat Kohli | Test Match, 2014 |
| 5 | Ricky Ponting | Low, one-handed catch in World Cup Final | ICC CWC Final, 2003 |
| 6 | Martin Guptill | Direct-hit run-out in World Cup Semi-Final | ICC CWC Semi-Final, 2019 |
| 7 | Dwayne Bravo | Running boundary catch in IPL | IPL Match, Year |
| 8 | Andrew Strauss | One-handed slip catch vs. Australia | Ashes Series, 2005 |
| 9 | Herschelle Gibbs | ‘Cup’ catch in World Cup | ICC CWC, 1999 |
| 10 | Suresh Raina | Boundary vault and catch in IPL | IPL Match, Year |
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Conclusion
These catches are not just feats of athleticism but also moments that capture the essence of cricket’s excitement and unpredictability. They remind us why cricket is more than just a game; it’s a theatre of extraordinary skills and unforgettable moments.
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