Top 5 Greatest Catches in ICC ODI World Cup

Over the years, the Cricket World Cup has produced some memorable moments. It was difficult to choose the top five and rank them in that order. The thin border between success and failure is also strongly emphasized, even if the list includes certain highlights from specific people. Of course, there are other instances that received notable mentions for those that came close to making the final list.

In almost every cricket match, the phrase “catches win matches” is true. Dropping catches have at times cost teams the game, but they have also sometimes not. We take a look back at some of the finest catches in World Cup history after seeing Sheldon Cottrell’s brilliant catch against Australia on Thursday (June 6).

Grasping Glory: The 5 Greatest Catches in ICC ODI World Cup:

5. Kapil Dev against West Indies in 1983:

Kapil Dev’s catch changed the game’s result, helping India in the final. The Indian captain went backwards and made a catch that looked to be quite typical. Prior to running towards the ball, he was positioned at mid-on. The West Indies needed some time to bounce back from this, while India quickly responded by capturing 8 more wickets. India and the West Indies competed in the Prudential Cup final at London’s Lord Cricket Ground.

4. Jonty Rhodes against England in 1999:

Jonty Rhodes, possibly one of South Africa’s top players, got the nickname “the Superman” for his outstanding fielding skills. The 1999 World Cup encounter against England comes to mind as a prime example of his fielding. When Robert Croft attempted to hit it over point, Rhodes was fielding at backward point. Rhodes caught it after flying into the air. However, the ball slightly slid and landed behind Rhodes. He completed the catch as he fell to the ground after diving the other way in a reflex action.

3. Dwayne Leverock against India in 2007:

In an over against India at the 2007 World Cup, Dwayne Leverock Bermuda grabbed the most memorable catch. The Bermuda player made a full dive to get the ball in hand to take a wicket. It is nonetheless talked about and still rated Bermuda’s finest World Cup wicket. On the same day, March 19, this year, the Apex Cricket Council posted this event to Twitter, to the delight of all the fans.

2. Sheldon Cottrell against Australia in 2019:

West Indies player Sheldon Cortrell took on past the screen for spectators in a split second to superbly dismiss Steve Smith, raising speculation that this could have been the finest catch in World Cup history. Cortrell came rushing from fine-leg to cover about 20 yards away as Steve Smith flicked Oshane Thomas to the leg-side boundary to take the ball in one hand, throw it up in the air, reclaim his position, and catch it again. Smith’s expression of absolute surprise as he made his way back to the pavilion said it all.

1. Ben Stokes against South Africa in 2019:

With Ben Stokes and Sheldon Cottrell competing for the prize for the greatest catch, the 2019 World Cup is already shaping up to be a competition of outstanding catches. Ben Stokes executed a brilliant move in the first game’s 34th over by leaping backwards and grabbing the ball with one hand. Phelukwayo of South Africa attempted to clear the ropes over the off-side by flicking Adil Rashid. But Stokes made an incredible catch, stopping the ball mid-flight and stopping it just short of the target.

Also Check: Ball Tampering in Cricket: A History of Cheating and Punishment