 | « Back to article | Print this article |
Gurkeerat's spectacular catch at fine-leg
Even as the sixth edition of the Indian Premier League reaches its last leg, it is difficult to forget some unforgettable moments on the field.
Rediff.com gives you a lowdown of some of the best catches taken during the group phase of the tournament.
First comes the spectacular effort by Gurkeerat Singh Mann against Pune Warriors.
The Kings XI Punjab player took a brilliant catch at fine leg, diving full length, to curtail Ross Taylor's (15) stay at the crease.
Punjab dismissed Pune for a paltry 99 on the latter's home turf, and went on to win the match comfortably.
Ponting's marvellous effort helped Harbhajan get a wicket
Harbhajan Singh and Ricky Ponting may not have shared the best of relationships during their playing days (the Australian is now retired, while the Indian is almost...err)
However, playing together for Mumbai Indians the duo have shown some camaraderie, the best of which was on display in the match against Delhi Daredevils at the Wankhede stadium.
Having posted a formidable total (209-5), Mumbai needed to put Delhi on the backfoot early. And they did so first ball!
Harbhajan got a leading edge off Unmukt Chand and Ponting timed his leap to perfection to take a brilliant catch at extra cover.
For the record, Mumbai won by 44 runs.
Hussey an asset on the field
Besides being brilliant with the bat for Chennai Super Kings, Michael Hussey was an asset on the field.
One of the Australian's best efforts came in their match against Kings XI Punjab. Having already taken a catch at leg gully to help Dirk Nannes account for Adam Gilchrist (9), the 38-year-old ran back to take a brilliant catch and dismiss Manan Vohra (16).
Vohra was looking generous and it was a bad delivery from Ravindra Jadeja. But Hussey's effort ensured the bowler was rewarded.
Dravid catches one at mid-wicket
Rahul Dravid, during his illustrious career, was an asset for Team India at slips. However, instances of him fielding in other positions were rare.
In Rajasthan Royals' match against Pune Warriors, the captain positioned himself at short mid-wicket. In the fifth over he took a brilliant one-handed catch to help James Fulakner get Robin Uthappa's (32) wicket.
It was a brilliant reflex catch, considering the fact Dravid isn't getting any younger. Rajasthan albeit lost the match.
Pollard's effort was a spectacle
Kieron Pollard has come up with quite a few spectacular efforts on the field.
The best of the lot was in the match against Kings XI Punjab. It happened in the fourth over, bowled by Pragyan Ojha. Shaun Marsh hit the ball flat over the bowler's head and it looked set to fetch him a maximum.
However, out of nowhere, Pollard leapt in the air and pulled off a brillaint one-handed effort.
The catch was a significant one as Mumbai won by four runs.
Nannes accounted for Gurkeerat
If Gurkeerat's effort against Pune was spectacular, in Punjab's match against Chennai Super Kings he was at the receiving end.
Gurkeerat was at fault, considering he played a terrible shot, a wild sweep outside off-stump. However, that doesn't take anything away fronm Dirk Nannes's spectacular effort at fine leg.
Gurkeerat's innings was cut short at 31 and Chennai emerged comfortable winners.
Russell's effort cut short Rohit's innings
Rohit Sharma captained Mumbai Indians for the first time, and played a spectacular innings against Delhi Daredevils at Ferozshah Kotla.
His 43-ball 73 was inclusive of five boundaries and an equal number of sixes. It needed an equally spectacular effort to cut it short.
As Rohit hit a Umesh Yadav delivery it seemed set to travel the distance. However, Andre Russell took a spectacular overhead catch at long-on to end his say.
For the record, Vireneder Sehwag ensured Rohit's effort went waste and Delhi secured one of their only three wins in the competition.
Azhar Mahmood's was a good effort
Azhar Mahmood did his bit with the bat for Kings XI Punjab. He was equally good with the ball.
However, in the field, the Pakistan-born player isn't entirely well-known.
In the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad he had one of those rare moments of brilliance.
Akshath Reddy hit a Manpreet Gony delivery and it looked set to go to the fence until Mahmood put his hand out at mid-off.
Maxwell took a well-judged catch
Glenn Maxwell is yet to justify the US $1 million Mumbai Indians splurged on him.
To be fair, the Australian hasn't had many opportunities.
In the match against Rajasthan Royals, at the Wankhede, though, Maxwell gave a glimpse of his talent.
James Faulkner, sent in at No.3 to up the ante, smashed a Dhawal Kulkarni delivery and Maxwell ran back to take a high catch.
The effort was commendable, considering in most cases the fielders lose the ball under the lights.
Kaul's was a great effort
Siddarth Kaul was one of the positives to come out from what was otherwise a disappointing season for Delhi Daredevils.
While the youngster performed credibly with the ball, one of his efforts on the field that stood out.
Azhar Mahmood hit an Ashish Nehra delivery over the bowler's head and it seemed destined to go to the fence.
But Kaul leaped high and plucked it out on the edge of the fence.