One of the most famous lines in cricket commentary is “Catches win you matches,” and this holds especially true in high-pressure tournaments like the World Cup. In these intense matches, a catch can either make you a hero or a zero, depending on whether it’s held or dropped. A good catch is a combination of excellent fitness, sharp concentration, and quick reflexes. Here are a few memorable Match-Winning Catches from recent World Cup matches that turned the tables:
Gulbadin Naib: Afghanistan Vs Australia, World Cup 2024
Afghanistan’s historic victory against Australia was largely thanks to Gulbadin Naib’s incredible performance. During the match, he took a stunning catch to dismiss Agar off Navin-ul-Haq’s bowling. Afghanistan went on to win by 21 runs, marking one of the most significant wins in their cricketing history.
Aiden Markram: England Vs South Africa, World Cup 2024
In the 2024 World Cup, Aiden Markram, captain of South Africa, took a brilliant running catch to dismiss England’s star batter Harry Brook, who had scored 53 off 37 balls. This key moment came when South Africa needed it most to qualify for the semi-finals. South Africa won by seven runs, edging closer to the semis.
Steven: USA Vs Pakistan, World Cup 2024
The USA vs. Pakistan match in the 2024 T20 World Cup featured one of the tournament’s best catches. Steven Taylor’s stunning catch to dismiss Mohammad Rizwan in the 2nd over, bowled by Netravalkar, evoked memories of Leverocks’ memorable 2007 catch against India. The USA team emerged victorious in this thrilling encounter.
Roston Chase: West Indies Vs Papua New Guinea, World Cup 2024
Roston Chase, the West Indies middle-order batter, took a brilliant catch in the opening match of the T20 World Cup against Papua New Guinea to dismiss captain Assad Vala. The catch came in the 6th over off Alzarri Joseph’s bowling. Vala, who scored 21 runs off 22 balls, was dismissed, and the West Indies secured a strong win to start their World Cup campaign on a high note.
Axar Patel: India Vs Australia, World Cup 2024
In the recent World Cup, Axar Patel took a spectacular one-handed catch in the Super 8 match against Australia to dismiss Mitchell Marsh, effectively ending Australia’s hopes in their chase of 206. The catch occurred in the 19th over off Kuldeep Yadav’s bowling, and it was particularly memorable as Marsh had been dropped twice earlier. Axar’s stunning fielding performance added to his reputation as a reliable all-rounder, and fans hope to see him continue to shine for India in the future.
| Player | Match & Year | Key Moment | Stats & Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| Axar Patel | India vs. Australia, World Cup 2024 | Took a one-handed stunner to dismiss Mitchell Marsh during Australia’s chase of 206. | India won the match, and Axar’s fielding play ended Australia’s chase. |
| Roston Chase | West Indies vs. Papua New Guinea, World Cup 2024 | Took a brilliant catch to dismiss Assad Vala (21 off 22 balls). | West Indies won the match, starting their World Cup campaign with a win. |
| Steven Taylor | USA vs. Pakistan, World Cup 2024 | Took a stunning catch to dismiss Mohammad Rizwan. | USA won the match, defeating Pakistan. |
| Aiden Markram | South Africa vs. England, World Cup 2024 | Took a brilliant running catch to dismiss Harry Brook (53 off 37). | South Africa won by 7 runs, advancing closer to the semis. |
| Gulbadin Naib | Afghanistan vs. Australia, World Cup 2024 | Took a stunning catch to dismiss Agar off Navin-ul-Haq’s bowling. | Afghanistan won by 21 runs, marking one of their biggest victories. |
