Suryakumar Yadav took a blinder on the boundary to seal an incredible last-over victory for India in the T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa.
South Africa needed 16 off the last over, with David Miller and Keshav Maharaj at the crease. Hardik Pandya was the bowler. The first ball to Miller was a low full-toss, wide of the batter. He thumped it down the ground, but only got a toe-end, still managing to muscle it long. It looked like the ball would clear the ropes, but a running Suryakumar intercepted it. He sprinted and balanced himself to cling on to a stunning catch, holding the ball while he hopped around the rope to complete a spectacular catch.
He briefly went past the boundary, lobbing the ball in the air, before coming back into play to complete the stunner.
Replays confirmed that he had managed to cling on without touching the ropes, giving India a vital breakthrough.
"Oh my god, I believe I've just seen athleticism at its very best," said Ian Smith on commentary. He also rated the grab as "one of the greatest catches in cricket history," because of its difficulty and the magnitude of the moment.
Pandya conceded a four off the next ball from Kagiso Rabada, but maintained his composure even as a light drizzle formed in the background. Two balls later, he had Rabada dismissed off another Suryakumar catch. India eventually won by seven runs.
It's India's first T20 World Cup trophy since the 2007 win. Virat Kohli announced his retirement from the format after receiving the Player of the Match award.
Watch: Suryakumar Yadav clings on to wonder catch at the boundary
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