The 2024 T20 World Cup concluded dramatically in Barbados, with India narrowly defeating South Africa by seven runs in the final on Saturday, June 29. This victory marked India’s first ICC title since 2013 and their first T20 World Cup trophy since 2007.
Throughout the tournament, there were numerous outstanding fielding performances. Aiden Markram led with eight catches, while Glenn Maxwell, Tristan Stubbs, and Harry Brook each took seven. Some of these catches were particularly memorable and will be remembered for years to come.
Here are the 5 Best Catches Of The 2024 T20 World Cup:
#1 Suryakumar Yadav vs South Africa
How could you not begin with the most crucial one of all? In the final over of the 2024 T20 World Cup final, Suryakumar Yadav made a remarkable catch that essentially secured India’s victory.
David Miller mis-hit a full toss from Hardik Pandya towards the long-off boundary, and it appeared the ball would go for six. However, Suryakumar had other plans. Despite the ball being at an awkward height, SKY managed to catch it and toss it back into play before his momentum carried him over the ropes.
Whether the boundary rope was in its original position or not is debatable, but Suryakumar stepped back onto the field to complete the catch, sending Indian fans into a frenzy. It was truly a tournament-defining moment.
#2 Aiden Markram vs England
Another crucial catch in the final over makes this list. With England needing 14 runs off the last over against South Africa, Anrich Nortje induced a miscue from the dangerous Harry Brook. Aiden Markram sprinted back from the circle, keeping his eyes on the ball, and caught it with a full-stretch dive.
Notably, Markram had already made another exceptional catch earlier in the tournament against Bangladesh, securing a win for his team. While the South African captain may not have excelled with the bat, his fielding was outstanding.
#3 Steven Taylor vs Pakistan
The United States had a remarkable run in the 2024 T20 World Cup, highlighted by a famous group stage victory over Pakistan.
Saurabh Netravalkar, who had an excellent tournament, induced an outside edge from Mohammad Rizwan. The ball was dropping in front of Steven Taylor at a wide first slip and seemed out of reach.
Undeterred, Taylor launched himself full stretch to his right, catching the ball inches from the ground with one hand. The USA went on to secure a memorable Super Over win.
#4 Axar Patel vs Australia
Axar Patel had a fantastic tournament for India, excelling with both bat and ball, and his fielding was equally impressive. In India’s final Super 8 match against Australia, Mitchell Marsh launched one towards the deep square leg boundary off Kuldeep Yadav.
Positioned a few yards inside the ropes, Axar saw the ball seemingly heading over his head into the crowd. Nevertheless, Axar made a determined leap and managed to catch the powerfully hit ball in the palm of his non-dominant right hand before falling to the ground.
This outstanding fielding effort helped India secure a solid win over Australia, pushing them to the brink of elimination.
#5 Sybrand Engelbrecht vs Bangladesh
Sybrand Engelbrecht is well-known for his spectacular fielding. In his final tournament for the Netherlands, the veteran cricketer demonstrated that age hasn’t diminished his athleticism.
When Litton Das top-edged a sweep off Aryan Dutt, Engelbrecht had a significant distance to cover at deep square leg. He sprinted across the field and made a full-stretch dive, catching the ball with both hands to secure a crucial breakthrough for the Dutch team.
Despite Engelbrecht’s efforts, the Tigers won the match by 25 runs. Engelbrecht also top-scored for his team during the chase with a brisk 33.
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