Watch all-rounder Ben Stokes take one of the greatest catches of all time during the ICC World Cup 2019 opening match between hosts England and South Africa at The Oval in London. Twitterati hailed Stokes's incredible effort in the field
London: The opening day of the ICC World Cup 2019 produced one of the best catches of all time as England all-rounder Ben Stokes pulled off a stunning effort during the hosts' win against South Africa at The Oval on Thursday (May 30).
Stokes, who first scored a magnificent 89 to take his team to 311/8 in 50 overs, then starred in the field with an incredible one-handed catch in the deep and also took two wickets. He was rightly adjudged the Man-of-the-match.
Also read: Ben Stokes reacts after taking stunning catch
The all-rounder was at deep mid-wicket, and Andile Phehlukwayo mowed an Adil Rashid ball in his direction but to get to it, the England all-rounder had to dive, one-handed. He landed horizontally and with the ball in hand to take what is already being talked about as the catch of a tournament that has only started.
Former England captain Nasser Hussain, who was on air, said, "No way. You cannot do that Ben Stokes. That is remarkable. That is one of the greatest catches of all time. You cannot do that."
Have you EVER seen a better catch? 🔥
Ben Stokes with a grab that has to be seen to be believed! pic.twitter.com/rpN04OxVTk
He added, "Even Stokes amazed himself there."
Sourav Ganguly, who was with Hussain in the commentary box, termed the effort as "unbelievable stuff".
"It is unbelievable stuff. You got to see it to believe it. It happened too quick for everyone of you. Sure, you have a look at it in slow motion. Have a look at that. The best you will see for a long, long time," the former India captain said.
Also read: Your complete guide to World Cup 2019
As soon as Stokes took that catch, Twitterati could not keep their calm. There were numerous tweets hailing Stokes' effort. Some called him "superman".
On Twitter, former India opening batsman Aakash Chopra wrote, “Catch of the tournament....Ben Stokes might turn out to be both—The Catch and the one who’s taken the beat catch (sic).”
For the record, England defeated South Africa by 104 runs.
Wow what a grab. Can't emphasize to you all how difficult a skill that is. Back pedal reverse cup.
— Tim Bresnan (@timbresnan)WOW!!!! has just taken the most ridiculously audacious catch in the it’s the best catch I’ve ever seen in the flesh, find a screen quickly and see what I mean 😲😲😲
— Graeme Swann (@Swannyg66)Catch of the tournament....Ben Stokes might turn out to be both—The Catch and the one who’s taken the beat catch. 🙇♂️
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash)Wow... what about that Ben Stokes ... what a catch !!! You can’t practise those One of the best you will ever see
— Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69)Read Exclusive COVID-19 Coronavirus News updates, at MyNation.