Suryakumar Yadav Recalls Stunning Catch To Dismiss David Miller As ‘God Plan’ In T20 World Cup 2024 Final
New Delhi: Suryakumar Yadav chose to describe his match-defining catch against South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2024 final as ‘God’s Plan’ as it is being lauded by everyone as a perfect blend of athleticism, balance and game awareness. India defeated the Proteas by seven runs to pocket their second T20 World Cup title, and a first after 17 years.
The moment of magic took place on the first ball of the final over when South Africa needed 16 runs off the last six balls. David Miller smashed a wide full toss from Hardik Pandya over long-off. At a time it looked that the ball would sail over the ropes but Suryakumar made the ground, steadied himself on the ropes, caught the ball, released it just as he went over the boundary ropes and then came back in to complete an astonishing catch.
“I am just grateful to be in that moment to do something special for the country…god’s plan it was,” Suryakumar told PTI from Barbados said when asked about the catch that has become a standout moment from the game. Although Pandya got hit for a boundary in the same over, but he kept his cool to take his team over the line before emotions took the centre stage on the field.
The catch not only won India the game, but also brought back memories from the 1983 World Cup when Kapil Dev ran sideways from mid-on to grab a top edge from the great Viv Richards off Madan Lal’s bowling in a fine display of sound judgement in the final.
On Saturday, the 33-year-old Suryakumar ensured that his name too will be remembered fondly every time an Indian fan recollects the see-saw finale in Bridgetown. Before that, the equation was 30 runs from as many balls but South Africa bungled in a typical fashion with Hardik Pandya triggering the collapse, dismissing a well-set Heinrich Klaasen for 52.
The Proteas went on to lose four wickets for 17 runs to be restricted to 169/8 in pursuit of 177. Suryakumar’s decision-making and awareness was also applauded by India’s fielding coach T Dilip. “When the moment comes, it’s his decision and awareness of rope, that’s very important, and knowing with confidence that he can throw and come back, it’s a decision-making at that time, and he got on to that,” Dilip had said.
“We fielded like a pack of wolves, as Rahul bhai and Rohit keep saying… Everybody knew their roles but together we hunted every opportunity which came our way leaving no stone unturned,” he added. The title conquest ended an 11-year wait for an ICC title for India. The side is currently stranded in Bridgetown due to a category 4 hurricane that has pounded the island leading to a complete shutdown of air services.