In the year 2023, many fabulous catches were observed by many players. There is an old saying in cricket: “Catches win matches.” This saying is quite true in cricket. There are many times when a surprising catch changes the course of the game. For example, Travis Head’s catch to dismiss Rohit Sharma in the final of the ODI World Cup 2023 changed the momentum of the match.
There are also events where a failed catch can cost you a match. For example, Hasan Ali’s catch on Matthew Wade in the PAK vs AUS 2021 T20I World Cup semi-final took the ball away from Pakistan’s court. In 2023, many amazing catches caught everyone’s appreciation. Below we talk about the 5 best catches of 2023.
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5 best catches of 2023
5. Heinrich Klaasen vs Netherlands (ODI World Cup)
South African player Heinrich Klaasen made a magnificent catch against Netherlands in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. This catch is ranked fifth in this list. During the South Africa vs Netherlands vs South Africa match, Dutch opener Vikramjit Singh fired a shot past Kagiso Rabada’s keeper.
As the ball flew towards the third man position, Heinrich Klaasen ran back to make an impressive catch. Klaasen ran back but managed to get hold of the ball and make the team’s first advance of the game.
4. Mitchell Marsh vs Pakistan (2nd Test AUS vs PAK)
Recently, Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh took a wonderful catch against Pakistan in the AUS vs PAK 2nd Test in Melbourne. In the fourth innings of the match, Pakistan’s Agha Salman took a ball from Mitchell Starc.
The ball hit his top edge and passed between first slip and third man. It looked like the ball would fall between the defenders. However, Marsh ran towards third man and collected the ball. It was an incredible move by the Australian all-rounder.
Mitch Marsh holds off the third man! What a catch! #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/BFC1LBXjeK
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 29, 2023
3. David Miller vs Afghanistan (ODI World Cup)
David Miller stunned against Afghanistan in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. Miller made an unexpected catch after almost losing the ball. Afghan batsman Rahmat Shah hit a backward ball.
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Miller had the ball in his hand but couldn’t complete the catch on the first down. After juggling the ball three times, he managed to grab it with his left hand. It was fun and also an amazing catch to pay attention to.
2. Jonny Bairstow vs Australia (Ashes 2023)
Goalkeepers can always be ready to take catches. However, sometimes they need quick reflexes to complete the captures. During the 5th Ashes Test of England vs Australia 2023, Jonny Bairstow showed amazing reflexes to dismiss Mitchell Marsh.
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The Australian all-rounder got the lead off bowler Moeen Ali in the second innings. The ball hit his bat and then rocketed towards the offside. Within seconds, Bairstow jumped to his right to grab the ball. It was a fabulous play by the England batsman.
How wonderful is Jonny Bairstow!
Superb bowling from Moeen Ali too. pic.twitter.com/Aa3b6u20zM
– Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 31, 2023
1. Trent Boult vs Netherlands (ODI World Cup)
Trent Boult steals the top spot in this list for his spectacular catch against Netherlands in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. The Kiwi pacer took a catch near the boundary to dismiss Bas Le Leede.
Boult caught the ball near the boundary and flicked it into the air as it was about to cross the ropes. He stepped out of bounds and came back inside to grab the ball once again with his hand to complete the catch. It was one of the best catches that he entertained cricket fans around the world.