If you’re a cricket fan, you would have probably heard the saying, ‘catches win matches’. 2015 saw some great takes by fielders who were ready to put it all on the line just to send the opposition’s batsman back to the pavilion.
Mega events like ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 and the annual Pepsi IPL, all happening in 2015, made it possible for players to show their acrobatic skills in the biggest of stages. We list the top 5 catches of the year that made our heart skip a beat –
5. Craig Ervine (Zimbabwe, World Cup 2015)
The underdogs, Zimbabwe, hiked up the pressure of South Africans when Ervine mastered the skill of balance and intelligence to take out AB de Villiers from the crease. Already 83/3, de Villiers scooped one right above the bowler, to procure maximum runs, only to watch Ervine smartly balancing himself after taking the catch on the boundary line, popping it up into the air, going out of the field, coming in and then taking his marvelous catch.
4. Faf du Plessis (Chennai Super Kings, IPL)
The man from South Africa took an absolute screamer in the initial stages of the group stage match between CSK and Mumbai Indians (MI). Anderson tried to send the short ball from Nehra flying, into the stand, but couldn’t control it as it went straight down the wicket. du Plessis came running from Mid-off and caught the ball, flying while he did it, to dismiss the New Zealand all-rounder and reduced MI for 6/2.
3. Dale Steyn (South Africa, World Cup 2015)
Known as one of the most successful fast bowlers, Steyn displayed his athleticism when he sprinted backwards towards deep mid-wicket only to catch the ball while in the air and then landing quite abruptly to dismiss Ahmed Shehzad in their group stage match against Pakistan.
2. Ashton Agar (Perth Scorchers, Big Bash League)
Coming in on the field as a substitute, Agar made his presence felt. Playing against Adelaide Strikers, captain Hodge played a leg-side ball ambitiously towards mid-wicket, only to find the substitute running along with the ball and finally catching with both hands just in time to send the skipper back. If you ever want the meaning of the term ‘screamer’ in cricket, watch this!
1. Karun Nair/Tim Southee (Rajasthan Royals, IPL)
The word partnership was redefined when these two players showed sheer athleticism equally on the field to firstly, avoid the ball to go for a six and secondly, catch it successfully and send the batsman packing. Kings XI Punjab was the opposite team and were held very well in terms of runs by the Royals bowlers. This catch sealed their display of superior cricket against their rival team.
