In the 14th Men’s Hundred match on August 10th, veteran all-rounder Roelof van der Merwe made a remarkable rebound catch to dismiss Moeen Ali (17). The game was between Birmingham Phoenix and Welsh Fire in Birmingham. Welsh Fire achieved their second win in the tournament by defeating Birmingham Phoenix with a six-wicket victory.
Birmingham Phoenix set a disappointing score of 112/7, while Welsh Fire reached the target in 85 balls, losing four wickets. Van der Merwe’s exceptional catch stood out during Welsh Fire’s remarkable fielding display. It was a crucial moment when Birmingham Phoenix’s captain Moeen was dismissed.
Moeen attempted a shot across the line as left-arm pacer David Payne delivered a well-pitched ball that moved into the left-handed batsman. The ball was lifted directly towards the long-on area. Van der Merwe sprinted to position himself beneath the airborne ball. As he aimed to secure the catch, the ball slipped from his grip, hitting his chest and bouncing away.
Yet, the fielder remained attentive and pulled off an excellent one-handed catch as the ball rebounded. The skilled Dutch cricketer, recognized for his impressive fielding skills, showcased his prowess during the 2022 T20 World Cup game against South Africa in Adelaide. He executed a remarkable catch to send David Miller (17) back to the pavilion.
The Proteas suffered a defeat by a margin of 13 runs, stumbling while chasing a target of 159, which resulted in their elimination from the World Cup.
Not a conventional way to take a catch, but Roelof van der Merwe and Welsh Fire won't mind! 🤣#TheHundred pic.twitter.com/58hfm2PyzH
— The Hundred (@thehundred) August 10, 2023
Van der Merwe delivered an impressive performance with the ball against Birmingham Phoenix
Returning to The Hundred match, Van der Merwe showcased his bowling skills too, recording statistics of 2/16 from 15 deliveries. The left-arm spinner secured the dismissals of Birmingham Phoenix’s opening batters, Will Smeed (10) and Ben Duckett (25).
Haris Rauf also made an impact, taking 2 wickets for 20 runs, while Payne concluded with figures of 2 wickets for 11 runs. Shaheen Afridi (1 wicket for 26 runs) dismissed his Pakistani teammate Shadab Khan (2).
Opener Stephen Eskinazi’s explosive 43 off 18 balls, including six fours and two sixes, guided Welsh Fire’s chase. Captain Tom Abell added an unbeaten 23 off 18 balls as Welsh Fire won comfortably.
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