There goes a saying in the world of cricket “Catches win matches”. A single catch or a single drop can turn the match on its head, at any point in time of the game.
In the 11th edition of Indian Premier League, the fielders have given the spectators many reasons to cheer about. Fielders have shown some superb athleticism like the effort put in by them to get to the ball – throwing their body on the field and succeeding in taking those stunning catches. Here, we are going to discuss some breathtaking catches of IPL 2018 so far.
1. Shakib Al Hasan – Match 10 – SRH Vs KKR
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan dismissed Chris Lynn of KKR in the 13th over. Great awareness was shown by Shakib as he dived to his left and kept his fingers underneath the ball to complete a fine return catch of his own bowling. Lynn had to walk back to the dug-out for 49. Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated Kolkata Knight Riders by 5 wickets in this match.
2. Manish Pandey – Match 10 – SRH Vs KKR
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Manish Pandey helped Stanlake dismiss Nitish Rana of KKR. It was a brilliant catch by Manish Pandey, who is an ex-KKR star. Short and wide outside off; Rana went for a cut but Manish intercepted it at a point. Exemplary game-awareness shown by him resulted in a diving catch, even though he fumbled in the first attempt as the ball slipped out of his grasp but he made sure to catch it on the second attempt before the ball hit the ground. Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated Kolkata Knight Riders by 5 wickets in this match.
3. Hardik Pandya – Match 9 – MI Vs DD
Glenn Maxwell of Delhi Daredevils was dismissed at 13 by Mumbai Indian’s Krunal Pandya at the 14th over. It was a stunning catch from brother Hardik. It is said to be one of the best catches of the tournament so far. Maxwell tried to go for a big hit, but Hardik with his skating boots on, got there and flew full length to his left and took it with both hands horizontal to the ground. Just amazing!! Delhi Daredevils defeated Mumbai Indians by 7 wickets in this match.
4. Quinton de Kock – Match No 8: RCB Vs KXIP
Umesh Yadav dismissed Mayank Agarwal when RCB’s wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock surprised everyone with his effort behind the stumps by taking a stunning catch. It was a full-length delivery and Agarwal swings hard and ends up getting a healthy edge. Quinton de Kock flies to his right like a ‘Superman’ behind the stumps. Quinton bagged the ‘perfect catch of the match’ award of Rs 1 Lakh. Royal Challengers Bangalore won by 4 wickets.
5. Trent Boult – Match 19 – RCB Vs DD
Delhi Daredevils bowler Trent Boult stunned everyone when he dismissed Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli in the 11th over. As Harshal Patel bowled, Kohli with his wonderful wrists whipped it aerially over square leg where Boult was stationed. He leaped and stretched his right hand out and it stuck. Went down, he kept hold of the ball and did well not to touch the rope. Immediately stood up, turned and claimed the catch. The replays rolled in to discover that Boult has taken a ripper. It was what can be called the catch of the season, surely! Royal Challengers Bangalore defeated Delhi Daredevils by 6 wickets.
Let us wait for more and more sensational moments on the field where high levels of athleticism combined with the presence of mind and game awareness will be on display for fans to witness in different cricket stadiums across the country.
