Australia sealed a thrilling 17-run victory over South Africa in the first T20I at Darwin, thanks to a stunning piece of fielding brilliance from Glenn Maxwell in the final over. The moment came in the 20th over of South Africa’s chase, with Ryan Rickelton in fine form and looking to push his side closer to the target.
Ben Dwarshuis delivered a clever slower ball into the pitch, around middle and off, tempting Rickelton to go big. The South African batter, already on a well-compiled 71, heaved the ball high toward the long-on fence, seemingly destined for a six. However, Maxwell, patrolling the boundary, timed his leap to perfection, grabbing the ball mid-air before acrobatically stepping back inside the ropes to complete the catch.
The crowd erupted as Maxwell celebrated yet another moment of magic in the field, a trademark of his glittering career. Rickelton’s dismissal effectively ended South Africa’s hopes, as they could only manage 161/9 in their 20 overs, falling short of Australia’s 173.
While Tim David’s explosive batting and Kwena Maphaka’s exceptional bowling were major talking points earlier in the match, Maxwell’s breathtaking catch proved the decisive moment, underlining the value of world-class fielding in the shortest format of the game. The win gave Australia a 1-0 lead in the series, with Maxwell once again proving he can turn matches not just with the bat or ball, but with sheer athleticism on the field.
Best Crowd Catch Of The Year? Fan Pulls Off Stunning One-Handed Catch While Holding 2 Beer Cans During AUS Vs SA 1st T20I; Video
In a moment that left both the players on the field and fans in the stands in awe, a spectator pulled off an extraordinary one-handed catch during the first T20 international between Australia and South Africa in Darwin. The remarkable incident occurred when Australian power-hitter Tim David, known for his explosive stroke play, launched a short delivery from South African pacer Corbin Bosch deep into the crowd. As the ball sailed over the boundary for what seemed like a certain six, the attention quickly shifted to the stands, where a fan made the play of the day.
Balancing two cans of beer in one hand, the spectator nonchalantly stretched out his free arm and plucked the ball cleanly with a flawless one-handed grab. The crowd erupted in cheers, with those nearby immediately congratulating the man for his composure and skill. The television cameras quickly found him, beaming with pride and raising his fist in celebration, drawing a roar from the crowd and chuckles from the commentators.
Social media lit up within moments, with clips of the catch being shared widely, and many calling it one of the greatest crowd catches seen in recent memory. Fans praised not only the clean take but also the difficulty of maintaining balance and grip on the drinks, a feat made even trickier amid the excitement of the live action.
While the match itself had plenty of thrilling moments, it was this beer-juggling, one-handed wonder that truly stole the spotlight, adding yet another unforgettable chapter to the folklore of cricket crowd catches.
