Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s costly drop of Glenn Maxwell proved fatal for Afghanistan, as Maxwell went on to deliver a sensational record-breaking unbeaten 201 not out, securing a remarkable victory for Australia who looked down and out at 91-7 chasing 292.

Afghanistan’s dreams of achieving their first ever victory against Australia were shattered, and their prospects of World Cup qualification took a significant hit due to Mujeeb’s unfortunate blunder.

Let us explore several other instances of critical drops in cricket history and consider where Mujeeb’s drop ranks among the most costly drops in cricket history.

1. Herschelle Gibbs’ drops the 1999 World Cup

In a crucial Super Six match during the 1999 World Cup between South Africa and Australia, Gibbs, usually an exceptional fielder, took a straightforward catch of Australia’s captain, Steve Waugh, only to fumble the ball attempting to throw the ball in the air in a premature celebration.

This mistake proved catastrophic: Waugh went on to score a match-winning 120; Australia avoided elimination; then knocked South Africa out in the semi-final after Allan Donald was famously run out with the scores tied, and Australia progressed having finished higher in the group stage. Australia won the World Cup, forever branding Gibbs as the man who ‘dropped the World Cup’ – though Waugh never uttered those words.

2. Mujeeb drops a sitter as Maxwell makes history

The 2023 Cricket World Cup saw Afghanistan on the cusp of a historic victory over Australia when they reduced Australia to 91-7 after posting 291. Maxwell remained the last hope for Australia, and Mujeeb had a straightforward chance to dismiss him on 33 after a mistimed sweep. Shockingly, Mujeeb mishandled the catch, and Maxwell went to strike a unbeaten 201 not out, including 21 fours and 10 sixes, resulting in a heartbreaking defeat for Afghanistan and diminishing their prospects of reaching the semi-finals.

3. Thisara Perera’s costly drop of Rohit Sharma in 2014

At the Eden Gardens in 2014, Rohit smashed 264, still the world record for highest ODI score, against Sri Lanka. What is often overlooked is that Thisara had a straightforward opportunity when Rohit was on just four. Rohit slashed a delivery to short third, where Thisara moved in but couldn’t hold on to the catch. This costly drop ultimately led to India posting 404-5, winning the game by 153 runs, and claiming the series 5-0. Rohit’s legacy as one of the greatest ODI batsmen was cemented, thanks in part to Perera’s blunder.

4. Graham Gooch gifts Imran Khan second life in the 1992 World Cup final

The 1992 final, between Pakistan and England in Melbourne, witnessed a pivotal moment when Imran, Pakistan’s captain, skied a delivery from Phil DeFreitas. Gooch, Imran’s England counterpart, valiantly chased the ball and leapt for it but spilled the catch. Imran made the most of his second life, scoring a crucial 72 runs to lead his team to a total of 249-6. Pakistan clinched their maiden World Cup title.

5. Shane Warne’s crucial drop of Kevin Pietersen in 2005

During the 2005 Ashes, the fate of the series hung in the balance as Kevin Pietersen entered the crease with England at 67-3 in the second innings at The Oval. When Pietersen was on just 15, Brett Lee found his edge, and the ball flew straight to Warne at first slip. Warne, known for his safe hands, dropped the straightforward chance and Pietersen took full advantage, hitting him for two sixes in the following over and ultimately making 158, securing a draw for England and regaining the Ashes after 18 years.

6. Virat Kohli’s costly drop of Brendon McCullum in 2014

In 2014 at Wellington, India had a cunning plan to dismiss McCullum but it backfired. Kohli was positioned as a straight silly mid-on, and it seemed to work as McCullum chipped a delivery down the ground, however, Kohli dropped an attempted one-handed catch. McCullum, then on nine, proceeded to score 302 and produce a record sixth-wicket partnership of 352 with BJ Watling. New Zealand drew the game and won the series 1-0, with Kohli’s drop proving costly.

7. Marlon Samuels’ missed opportunity punished by Martin Guptill

In a high-stakes 2015 World Cup quarter-final match between New Zealand and West Indies in Wellington, a pivotal incident occurred just three balls into the first over. New Zealand opener Guptill flicked Jerome Taylor to the square leg, where Samuels dropped a straightforward catch. Guptill was only on four at the time but went on to score an unbeaten 237, the highest individual score in World Cup history. New Zealand posted 393 and eventually won by 143 runs.

8. Kiran More’s drops the series as Graham Gooch hits triple-century

In a the Lord’s Test match of 1990, Indian wicketkeeper More made a costly blunder when England captain Gooch, edged behind on 36. More failed to make a regulation catch, and Gooch capitalised on the opportunity, scoring 333, and adding 123 in the second innings for good measure. Gooch’s 456 runs – still a world record Test match aggregate – played a pivotal role in England’s 247-run victory and eventual series triumph.

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