Last Updated: September 11, 2023, 16:31 IST
Mitchell Santner’s one-handed stunner to dismiss Jonny Bairstow
New Zealand all-rounder Mitchell Santner plucked off a stunner to dismiss Johnny Bairstow, sending cricket fans into a frenzy.
The New Zealand cricket team has set a standard in fitness and fielding. They are considered the best fielding side globally and that was on full display in their game against England on Sunday. The team’s star all-rounder, Mitchell Santner plucked off a stunner to dismiss Johnny Bairstow, sending cricket fans into a frenzy.
Santner’s catch was a sight to behold as the all-rounder defied gravity leaping off high and grabbing a stunner out of thin air. It was an important dismissal as it helped the New Zealand bowlers to gain momentum and take the upper hand in the match. Johnny Bairstow misjudged the pace of the ball and got a leading edge to an in-swinger by Trent Boult. Bairstow tried to work it to the onside but was early to the shot. Santner timed his jump perfectly and grabbed it, dismissing the English keeper-batter.
Sharing the video of Santner’s stunner on the field on X, the all-rounder’s Indian Premier League franchise, Chennai Super Kings wrote, “Absolutely clawed it! Santa making us whistle from the other side of the world!”
Fans were absolutely in awe of the catch and were showering praises on the Kiwi all-rounder. A fan commented on the post and praised the cricketer on this outstanding grab as he wrote, “What a catch Santa!”
Another fan sang praises of the catch by saying how it was one of the best catches of all time. He commented, “Come on now…this should be one of the ‘all-time greats’..!!”
C’mn now…this should be one of the ‘all time greats’..!!— Maruthi (@Jay07Maruthi) September 10, 2023
The New Zealand bowlers took the upper hand and were dominating English batters for the most part. Boult dismissed Joe Root a couple of balls later after getting the wicket of Bairstow. He was breathing fire as he dismissed their Test captain, Ben Stokes a few deliveries later picking up three wickets and leading the black caps’ pace attack. But then came a halt as English batters started forming partnerships and were spending time on the crease.
Liam Livingstone became the star of the match and despite the slow start of his team, he took them to a great total of 226 in a match that was reduced to 34 overs a side. Then the Kiwi batters came to bat and had no answers for the English pace attack as never looked in the game. David Willey and Reece Topley both grabbed 3 Kiwi scalps each and were attacking from the start. The match became one-sided as they dismissed them for just 147 and won it by 79 runs. The series now stands 1-1 with 2 ODIs left, and it will be interesting to see which team comes out on top.