Shaun Polllock gives a tight slap to Pakistan, England, and Australian media for crying foul play on Suryakumar Yadav's catch
Former South African allrounder Shaun Pollock has presented his views on Suryakumar Yadav's game-changing catch in the last over of the T20 World Cup 2024 final played between India and South Africa. It all happened in the first ball of the final over of the match bowled by Hardik Pandya.
South Africa were 161-6 and needed 16 runs in the final over to win the match. Allrounder Hardik Pandya bowled a wide full toss to David Miller, which the batter looked to hit straight. Although Miller didn't time the ball well it looked like he had enough to clear the ropes.
But Suryakumar Yadav had other ideas as he ran from long off and caught the ball just inside the boundary rope. Realizing that he was going over the boundary, Suryakumar threw the ball in the air, went inside the boundary, and then came back on the field to complete a fine catch that will be remembered for years to come.
Shaun Pollock ends the debate on Suryakumar Yadav's fantastic catch
When Shaun Pollock was asked to give his views on Suryakumar Yadav's catch, he clearly stated that the catch was fine and he didn't stand on the 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.
Debate is over, Miller’s catch was fine, the cushion didn’t move, surya didn’t stand on the cushion, brilliant bit of skill - Shaun Pollock p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->R<!---->n<!---->K<!---->i<!---->Y<!---->A<!---->l<!---->Y<!---->r<!---->y
— Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) J<!---->u<!---->n<!---->e<!----> <!---->3<!---->0<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->4
Suryakumar Yadav's catch changes the game
Suryakumar Yadav's catch changed the momentum as David Miller was the last recognized batter for South Africa. With 16 needed off 5 balls, Rabada scored a boundary off the next ball. But Hardik Pandya kept bowling tough lines to the South African tailenders as the situation got out of hand for South Africa.
The Proteas eventually ended on 169-8, thus falling short by 7 runs. The catch by Suryakumar Yadav became one of the turning points of the match. The way Suryakumar maintained his composure at the highest pressure in a game was commendable.
His catch played a huge role in India's win as South Africa were left with the lower-order batters Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj to complete the job. But the target was way too much for them as India sealed a thrilling win.
Earlier with 30 needed off 30 balls and Heinrich Klaasen going berserk, South Africa were on course for their first-ever ICC trophy win. But Jasprit Bumrah came back and bowled a brilliant spell before Hardik Pandya picked up the crucial wicket of Heinrich Klaasen to bring India back into the match.
Bumrah gave away just 6 runs in his last spell and also picked up the wicket of Marco Jansen to leave South Africa under pressure. Bumrah's new ball partner Arshdeep Singh was equally impressive and picked up 2-20 in four overs.
