Six of the best: catches of the U19 CWC so far
Jade de Klerk channelled his inner Jonty Rhodes taking a two-handed spectacular catch in South Africa’s recent win over Bangladesh. A very timely reminder of the special catches we’ve seen at the ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup so far.
So here are six of the best outfield catches that we’ve seen. Some more stylish than others. All very special in their own way. Which is your favourite?
Catch 1 – Jade de Klerk v Bangladesh
“A la football goalkeeper, diving to that right-hand post – pouched it!”
What better place to start than this spectacular catch at backward point from the young South African. The left-arm spinner combined athleticism, anticipation, co-ordination and agility, in order to hold on.
**Catch 2 – Tigers Teamwork:**Towhid Hridoy/Robiul Haque v England
A terrific piece of teamwork from the Bangladeshi pair helped remove Liam Banks in the 5th place play-off at Queenstown. Hridoy managed to sprint around from long-off to take the catch, and just before stepping over the boundary he lobbed the ball over to Robiul Haque at long-on. Modern day fielding at its best!
Catch 3 – Jason Sangha v England
The Australia captain pulled off a magnificent one-hander to dismiss England opener Tom Banton in their Super League quarter-final clash. It was a brilliant show of agility from the young man, to react and quickly change direction following the deflection from the wicketkeeper’s gloves. With England well set on 71/3 chasing only 128, this was a game-changer for Lloyd Pope and for Australia. The rest, as we well know, is history.
Australia's captain took a stunner at slip to dismiss England's Tom Banton.
Catch 4 – Shubman Gill v Pakistan
“Who is it? Take one guess, it’s Mr Gill!”
It won’t quite get the high marks for a pressure cooker catch that a Sangha v England might, but this over the shoulder spectacular from Shubman Gill is just as impressive. It seems this man can do no wrong!
Catch 5 – Dale Phillips v South Africa
“What a catch, one for this 2018 Under 19 World Cup!”
Representing New Zealand, against his country of birth, Dale Phillips pulled out one of the most stylish catches of the tournament. He flew through the air to hold onto a powerful drive from opener Pillay, in a match that ended in a 71-run victory for the young Black Caps.
Catch 6 – Gerald Coetzee v Pakistan
“That is a catch! Gerald Coetzee with an absolute belter down at fine-leg.”
Have a look at this diving effort during South Africa’s Super League quarter-final defeat at the hands of Pakistan. The youngest member of the South Africa U19 World Cup squad made plenty of ground to get underneath the top-edged pull shot from Pakistan’s Ammad, before clinging on brilliantly. You might say the celebration matched the catch!