Will Young (105 in 84 balls) and Tom Latham (92 in 77) helped New Zealand recover after Shoriful Islam reduced them to 5-2 in the first ODI of the three match series, at the University Oval in Dunedin.

New Zealand eventually amassed 239-7 in the stipulated 30 overs amidst rain breaks. Bangladesh’s target was adjusted to 245.

In pursuit of quick runs from the onset, Bangladesh kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Soumya Sarkar made 43 in 39 balls, while Towhid Hridoy (33 in 27) and Afif Hossain (38 in 28) also chipped in.

At 174-7 in the 26th over, the match was as good as over, but continued in fading light. As Adam Milne ran in to bowl, Shoriful stepped out and went for a slog over mid-wicket where Young was stationed.

Young misjudged the ball – perhaps due to the light – and sprinted in. Then, upon realising that the ball would fly over him, ran backwards. When he figured out that the ball would still land some distance away, he flung himself and held the ball inches from both the ground and the rope.

Bangladesh finished on 200-9. Young was named the Player of the Match.

Watch Will Young pluck a catch out of thin air in fading light:

What a Freak Catch by Will Young!!! 🫡🫡🫡 https://t.co/B6ggaqCefi

— Cricket Nerd (@goodmen761) December 17, 2023