South Africa’s Aiden Markram stunned everyone with his spectacular catch to dismiss Australian batter Steve Smith during his team’s opening encounter at the ongoing T20 World Cup on Saturday.
It all happened on the fifth delivery of the 15th over in Australia’s run chase. Smith pulled a shot length delivery from Anrich Nortje, which went straight towards the long-on boundary. However, the ཧball was intercepted by Markram, who came in flying from about 20 yards distance to complete a stunning catch.
Despite Smith (35 off 34) failing to reach his fifty, Aust𓆏ralia chased the set target in 19.4 overs and won the game by five wickets.
Earlier, Australia captain Aaron Finch won the toss and opted to field first at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Aiden Markram top-scored for the Proteas with a 36-ball 40, while Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Adam Zampa took two wickets each for Australia.
The Temba Bavuma-led side could only manage 118/9 in their stipulated 20 overs🎃.
Relive the moment here:
Aiden Markram's great diving catch has been voted as the for Day 7 of the ICC Men’s 🙌
— ICC (@ICC)
What a c꧒atch that was by Aiden Markram to send Steve Smith back to the 🙈pavilion! Guy flew like Superman to grab that catch!
— Prasenjiit Dey (@CricPrasen)
Flying Aiden Markram, what a terrific catch.
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra)
Now, this is an absolutely flying catch by Aiden Markram. Brilliant pie෴ce of fielding !!
— Kaushik (@iamkaushik24)
What a stunning catch by Aiden Markram 🔥🔥
— R∆J€SH (@SOseetarama)
Well, going ahead, the Aussies will have to improve their batting performance as their skipper Aaron Finch was dismissed for a five-ball duck. His opening partner David Warner also failed to find any form and could mus♋ter♛ only 14 off 15 balls.
