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Shaun Pollock, the former South African allrounder, has shared his perspective on the pivotal moment in the T20 World Cup 2024 final between India and South Africa. The game-changing incident occurred in the first delivery of the final over bowled by Hardik Pandya.
At that juncture, South Africa, standing at 161-6, required 16 runs from the remaining over to secure victory. Allrounder Hardik Pandya delivered a wide full toss to David Miller, who attempted to strike the ball straight down the ground. Despite not connecting perfectly, Miller seemed poised to clear the boundary.
However, Suryakumar Yadav had different plans. Charging in from long off, Yadav managed to grab the ball just inside the boundary rope. Anticipating that he was drifting over the boundary, Yadav cleverly tossed the ball into the air, stepped outside the boundary, and then re-entered the field to complete a remarkable catch that will undoubtedly endure in memory for years to come.
Shaun Pollock settled the discussion surrounding Suryakumar Yadav’s exceptional catch.
When questioned about his opinion on Suryakumar Yadav’s catch, Shaun Pollock unequivocally affirmed that the catch was clean and Yadav did not touch the boundary cushion.
“The catch was fine. I mean, the cushion didn’t move, that’s in the cause of the game. It had nothing to do with Surya (Suryakumar Yadav). He didn’t stand on the cushion, brilliant bit of skill,” Pollock replied.
Suryakumar Yadav’s catch proved pivotal in altering the course of the game. With David Miller standing as South Africa’s last recognized batsman and needing 16 runs from 5 deliveries, the match hung in the balance. Following Yadav’s crucial catch, Rabada managed a boundary off the subsequent ball, yet Hardik Pandya’s relentless bowling to South Africa’s lower order compounded their challenges.
Ultimately, the Proteas concluded their innings at 169-8, falling short by 7 runs. Yadav’s catch emerged as a definitive turning point in the match, highlighting his composed demeanor under immense pressure. His contribution played a significant role in India’s victory, as South Africa’s lower-order duo of Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj found the target beyond reach.
Earlier, with South Africa poised at 30 runs needed off 30 balls and Heinrich Klaasen driving their pursuit, India’s Jasprit Bumrah returned with a crucial spell, supported by Hardik Pandya’s pivotal dismissal of Klaasen. Bumrah’s economical bowling, yielding just 6 runs in his final spell and including the dismissal of Marco Jansen, compounded South Africa’s pressure. Partnering with Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh equally impressed with figures of 2-20 from his four overs, collectively steering India to a thrilling victory.
