Anatomy of a jaw-dropping World Cup-winning catch by Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav's astounding catch virtually assured India of victory - Getty Images/CHANDAN KHANNA
With 16 runs to get from the final over, and secure South Africa’s first ever World Cup crown, David Miller launched Hardik Pandya straight down the ground for six. The shot showcased the power that has made Miller one of the most devastating finishers in the Indian Premier League and beyond.
But as the ball sailed over the boundary rope at the Kensington Oval, it encountered an unexpected obstacle: Suryakumar Yadav. Here is how the Indian pulled off an astonishing catch that all but secured the trophy for his side.
The grab
Running around from wide long off at full tilt, Yadav’s first task was to pluck the ball out of the air with his outstretched right-hand.
Suryakumar Yadav catch
Suryakumar Yadav catch
In and of itself, it was a stunning grab. Yet to complete the dismissal of a batsman, a fielder doesn’t just have to catch the ball but keep it under control within the field of play. Trent Boult learned as much in the 2019 ODI World Cup final at Lord’s, when he caught Ben Stokes but then trod on the boundary rope to give him six runs. Like Boult then, Yadav was heading towards the rope. That led him to the next stage of his mission.
The two-step
Avoiding the boundary rope was key as Yadav tried to balance while keeping hold of the ball. His first step, with his right foot, was OK - it was the one furthest away from the boundary.
Suryakumar Yadav catch
His second, with his left, was much closer, but crucially he managed to pull his foot away from the rope as he shifted his body weight to his right and the safety of the field of play.
The release
Yadav realised that he would be unable to avoid going over the rope, so he immediately released the ball, flicking it in the air. Yadav then continued to run, while decelerating. His momentum took him over the ropes - but only after he had let go of the ball into the air.
Suryakumar Yadav catch
Once over the blue ropes, Yadav landed on his left leg. Immediately, he then transferred his weight onto his right leg, continuing his run while returning to the field of play.
Suryakumar Yadav catch
The catch
The simplest part of the operation, Yadav was reunited with the ball again, catching it safely in both hands. When Yadav caught the ball, his left leg was not yet completely back inside the field of play. But he had already begun his jump, so had no part of his body beyond the rope. This adroitness ensured that he completed a clean catch, as the third umpire confirmed.
The celebration
Yadav immediately raised his right arm aloft: he was in no doubt about what he had achieved. Neither were his teammates, who had combined to wrestle back a game that long appeared lost: South Africa had needed only 30 from the last five overs, with six wickets still in tact.
In India’s first ever World Cup final victory, the 1983 ODI World Cup final at Lord’s, Kapil Dev completed a famous catch running back from midwicket to dismiss Viv Richards.
It remains one of Indian cricket’s most iconic moments. Yadav’s cocktail of athleticism and quick-thinking was of an altogether different level: the decisive moment in India’s second T20 World Cup win.
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