Suryakumar Yadav helped seal India’s T20 World Cup triumph with a stunning boundary catch during the final over of South Africa’s run chase in Bridgetown, but eagle-eyed viewers spotted a potential reason the decisive wicket should have been disallowed.
The Proteas needed 16 runs from the last over to win its maiden T20 World Cup title, with Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya producing a full toss that David Miller smacked down the ground.
Yadav, sprinting around from long-off, intercepted the ball and lobbed it in the air before stepping over the boundary rope, returning to the field to complete the catch.
Third umpire Richard Kettleborough awarded the wicket after consulting replays, putting India within touching distance of its first Men’s T20 World Cup victory since 2007.
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“Oh my god, I believe I’ve just seen athleticism at its very best,” former New Zealand wicketkeeper Ian Smith said in commentary, calling Yadav’s effort “one of the greatest catches in cricket history”.
However, debate erupted on social media about whether Yadav’s left foot touched the boundary rope before he flicked the ball in the air, with slow-motion replays showing movement at the base of the padding. Adding to the drama, the boundary rope had been pushed a few inches out from the painted line on the turf.
If a six had been awarded, the match would have arguably been back on the balance with South Africa needing ten runs from the final five deliveries.
Regardless, the footage was not conclusive enough to overturn the dismissal, with some speculating the movement came from a puff of grass.
Yadav’s catch quickly drew comparisons to Kapil Dev’s famous grab during the 1983 World Cup final at Lord’s, with the former Indian captain running back to dismiss West Indies icon Viv Richards.
India won the thrilling final by seven runs, ending an 11-year trophy drought that featured several defeats in ICC knockouts. Meanwhile, South Africa is still searching for its maiden World Cup triumph.